theft: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

News •

Man arrested after allegedly stealing from multiple cash registers across Laredo • Nov. 6, 2026, 4:27 PM ET (Laredo Morning Times)

Brandon businesses want co-ordinated strategy, action on repeat offenders to curb shoplifting • Oct. 16, 2026, 6:00 AM ET (CBC)

Topics

piracy Hijacking art theft identity theft brigandage poaching Pindari larceny embezzlement plagiarism cybercrime forgery arson extortion fraud terrorism War crime Genocide obscenity money laundering

Key People

Sobhraj leaving a court in Paris

Charles Sobhraj

French serial killer

Frank Abagnale, Jr., at the Harper's Bazaar annual anti-counterfeiting summit in 2011

Frank Abagnale, Jr.

American author and financial security consultant

Engraved portrait of Rob Roy, also known as Robert MacGregor, shown with long curly hair, a feathered cap, and a round shield.

Rob Roy

Scottish outlaw

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Henri Charrière

French criminal

Bugsy Siegel

Bugsy Siegel

American gangster

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Jack Sheppard

English criminal