Property crime is a category of
crime that includes, among other crimes,
burglary,
larceny,
theft,
motor vehicle theft,
arson,
shoplifting, and
vandalism. Property crime involves the taking of property, and does not involve
force or threat of force against a victim. Crimes against property are divided into two groups: destroyed property and stolen property. When property is destroyed, it could be called arson or vandalism. Examples of the act of stealing property is robbery or embezzlement. Although
robbery involves taking property, it is classified as a
violent crime, as force or threat of force on an individual that is present is involved in contrast to burglary which is typically of an unoccupied dwelling or other unoccupied building.