Victims of Theft

Being a victim of theft can occur in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways one can be stolen from.

Theft is the taking of property that belongs to another person or group without their permission. This is a crime which can leave the victim feeling vulnerable and betrayed. Theft can occur in different ways. This criminal offense can be broken down into categories such as shoplifting, burglary, embezzlement and the theft of intellectual property.

Shoplifting is a commercial version of being a pickpocket. A pickpocket is a thief who has learned to quietly sneak someone’s wallet or valuables from their pockets without them even noticing. Pickpockets have been around for centuries and in some countries the penalty for the criminal is losing their hand. Shoplifting is similar but on a larger scale. This is when goods are stolen from a store by slipping items into thief’s garments, purses or by them simply running out the door faster than the shopkeepers. Large department and grocery stores often have security cameras and personnel to keep this type of thievery at a minimum.

Burglaries occur in residences or businesses, often while they are unoccupied. The burglar will break in and rob the place. Jewelry, money and electronics equipment are often the properties targeted in burglaries. Robberies are similar except often occur when businesses or homes are occupied. Armed robberies are especially frightening and banks’ employees, shopkeepers and residents are usually warned to hand over money in order to save their lives. Purse snatchings fall into this category. In many large cities, women are advised to keep their pocketbooks close to their bodies in order to keep them from dangling as bait to the thieves.

Embezzlement is a business crime, also referred to as white collar crime. An example of embezzlement is a bookkeeper who siphons money by writing the wrong figures in the business’s tally sheets and then skimming this money to line their own pockets. Fastidious accounting practices are required to monitor business books in order to make sure everything is done correctly and without money being pilfered.

Intellectual thievery is another white collar crime. This is when ideas, formulas or concepts are stolen from an individual or company. It need not be tangible material in order to become stolen goods. This intellectual matter can equate to big bucks for criminals if sold to a competing organization who can use the information for their own profit.

When a theft occurs, whether in the form of shoplifting, burglary, embezzlement or intellectual information, the victim often goes through emotional upheaval and feelings of betrayal. It may leave them feeling depressed, anxious and in need of a few hours on the therapist’s couch.

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