Crimes against property are crimes that involve the intruding, taking or destroying of another person's property. Property crimes don't involve force or threats toward the owner. For example, robbery isn't classified as a property crime because it involves force or a threat of force. There are a wide range of crimes that are considered crimes against property. Common property crimes include:

  • Vandalism
  • Criminal trespass
  • Theft
  • Burglary
  • Arson

Vandalism

Vandalism, or criminal mischief, is the intentional damage or destruction of another person's property. There are multiple ways that property may be damaged, including breaking windows and throwing eggs. The spraying of graffiti art on property can also be considered vandalism if the owner doesn't give permission.

The seriousness of the crime is usually based on the money value of the damage. For example, breaking a neighbor's window will generally be considered a misdemeanor because the damage isn't too extensive. A misdemeanor is a lower level crime that's usually punishable by a fine or a short jail term. If a person destroys another person's entire house, the damage is great and may be considered a felony. A felony is a more serious crime that can be punishable by more than one year in prison.

Criminal Trespass

A person commits criminal trespass when he knowingly enters onto another person's property without consent. The trespasser must be aware that he has no right or permission to be on the property. This crime also occurs if the person remains on property after being asked to leave. For example, a customer may be charged with criminal trespass for refusing to leave a store after he's repeatedly asked by the store manager. In most cases, a trespass crime will only be considered a misdemeanor.

Theft

Theft is the taking of another person's property without his consent. In order for it to be a crime, the person taking the property must carry it away with the intent to steal it. For example, if someone accidently takes someone else's coat at a restaurant, that person isn't guilty of theft. However, if that person takes the coat with the intent to steal it, that person is guilty of theft.

Common types of theft include shoplifting and grand theft auto. Shoplifting is the stealing of property from a retail store. This is a very common theft crime and can cost stores millions of dollars. Grand theft auto is the stealing of a motor vehicle. Vehicles are stolen for a variety of reasons, including for auto parts, for resale or for just joyriding.

Burglary

Burglary is the act of unlawfully entering into a building for the purpose of committing a crime. This building may be a residence or a commercial building. The crime is considered more serious if the person is armed with a deadly weapon.

The most common crime that a burglar intends to commit is theft. However, he doesn't have to intend to steal property for it to be considered burglary. Crimes such as vandalism or kidnapping can also support a burglary crime.

Arson

Arson is the crime of deliberately setting fire to a building. This is a very dangerous crime because human life may be endangered. One of the main reasons that people commit arson is insurance fraud. The arsonist attempts to make the fire appear accidental to collect on an insurance policy.

The circumstances of the arson will affect the severity of the punishment. Some examples of factors include:

  • The type of property destroyed
  • Whether the arsonist knew that people were present in the building
  • Whether an explosive device was used

Questions for Your Attorney

  • If a teenager throws toilet paper all over my yard, can I call the police and have him charged with vandalism? Does it matter that the damage isn't permanent and can be cleaned up?
  • Can a property owner have me arrested for trespass if I walk up to his door to attempt to sell him a product? What if he has a sign in his yard that states "no trespassing"?
  • Can I be charged with burglary if I break into a house to retrieve my own personal property?