Theft Act 1968

The primary statute defining theft and related property offences in England and Wales, replacing the Larceny Act 1916. It defines theft, robbery, burglary, aggravated burglary, taking a vehicle without authority, and handling stolen goods. The Act was supplemented by the Theft Act 1978 (deception offences, since replaced) and the Fraud Act 2006, which replaced the old deception offences with a consolidated fraud offence.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: offence of theft (dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with intention to permanently deprive)
• Section 8: offence of robbery (theft with force or threat of force)
• Section 9: offence of burglary (entering a building as a trespasser with intent)
• Section 10: offence of aggravated burglary (burglary with firearm, weapon of offence, or explosive)
• Section 12: taking a motor vehicle or other conveyance without authority (TWOC)
• Section 22: offence of handling stolen goods
• Section 25: offence of going equipped to steal

Relevance to Policing

The essential reference for property offences including theft, robbery, burglary, and vehicle taking in England and Wales.