Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam

Which of the following qualifies under the definition of a theft offense?

1. Taking property without permission

2. Possessing stolen property

3. Breaking and entering

4. Assisting in theft

The correct answer is: Taking property without permission

Taking property without permission is central to the definition of a theft offense. This action embodies the essence of theft, which involves unlawfully seizing someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. This definition encompasses a wide range of scenarios, from stealing tangible goods to embezzlement and shoplifting, all characterized by the lack of consent from the rightful owner. While possessing stolen property, breaking and entering, and assisting in theft may also relate to theft offenses in various contexts, they do not fully encapsulate the primary act of theft itself. Possessing stolen property focuses on what happens after the theft has occurred, breaking and entering entails an unlawful entry often related to the commission of a theft, and assisting in theft suggests a collaborative aspect that does not equate to the theft unless the property is actually taken. Therefore, taking property without permission directly aligns with the fundamental definition of theft, making it the correct answer.