Theft Definition: To steal an item of property. Related Terms: Larceny, Shoplifting, Steal "Unlawfully appropriating property with intent to deprive the owner of property". Texas Penal Code, Title 7, ¶31.03 Or: "Every one commits theft who fraudulently and without color of right takes, or fraudulently and without color of right converts to his use or to the use of another person, anything, whether animate or inanimate, with intent: To deprive, temporarily or absolutely, the owner of it, or a person who has a special property or interest in it, of the thing or of his property or interest in it; To pledge it or deposit it as security; To part with it under a condition with respect to its return that the person who parts with it may be unable to perform; or To deal with it in such a manner that it cannot be restored in the condition in which it was at the time it was taken or converted. "A person commits theft when, with intent to steal anything, he moves it or causes it to move or to be moved, or begins to cause it to become movable. "A taking or conversion of anything may be fraudulent notwithstanding that it is effected without secrecy or attempt at concealment." Extracted from Criminal Code of Canada, ¶322. Synonymous with the term larceny. Categories & Topics: Criminal Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!