Theft and related offences may include robbery, armed robbery, burglary (entering someone else’s property), intending to steal something, damage to property or assaulting someone, going equipped to steal, handling stolen goods, receiving stolen goods, obtaining by deception.
Burglary
Burglary is illegally entering someone else’s property such as house, shared bungalow, garage or any other place with intent to steal. If the burglary takes place during the night and the people are in the premises, this charge will amount to aggravated burglary. If the burglary is conducted with an accomplice or there is an element of aggravation in the crime, the burglar is armed, even pretends to be armed, there is a real possibility that custodial disposition will be imposed by the Court to the offender.
General Theft – stealing
Theft and stealing is “taking something that does not belong to you” – it could be a motor vehicle, an animal, an item of jewellery or anything of value that belongs to another person without their consent and keeping it with no intention of giving it back to them. The Police have to investigate as there are certain points of proof that they must substantiate for the charge of theft. If you are charged for theft or stealing, contact Velos & Velos Lawyers immediately as there may be defences to the charge or charges.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is used broadly and may mean more than just taking something from a shop without paying. Criminal offences are covered by shoplifting as taking goods from a store without paying
- Shoplifting – taking goods from a store without paying
- Eating or drinking something in a shop without paying
- Swapping, removing or altering price tags to get a lower price for an item
- Leaving a restaurant or hotel without paying
Fraud
Fraud involves obtaining property, goods, money or services dishonestly. It includes such things as dishonestly
- obtaining property belonging to someone else
- causing a detriment to another person or an entity
- applying someone else’s property to your own use
- gaining a benefit or advantage for any person
- inducing or causing any person to deliver property to another person
If you are charged with any of these offences, there may be defences open to you, depending on your unique circumstances
