Police Entrance Practice Exam

Which type of crime involves theft without the use of force?

1. Burglary

2. Robbery

3. Larceny

4. Embezzlement

The correct answer is: Larceny

The type of crime that involves theft without the use of force is larceny. Larceny is defined as the unlawful taking and carrying away of someone else's personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This crime does not involve any form of physical force or intimidation against the victim, which distinguishes it from other types of theft. Burglary involves breaking and entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime therein, which may or may not involve theft. Robbery, on the other hand, is characterized by taking property from a person or their immediate presence using force or the threat of force. Embezzlement refers to the misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer, which also differs from simple theft without force. Thus, larceny accurately captures the essence of theft without the implication of forceful action against the victim.