1. Chapter 10: Crimes Against Property
Law and Civics
Chapter 10: Crimes Against Property

2. Crimes Against Property Intro
This chapter focuses on crimes when property is damaged, real and in cyberspace
In recent years, traditional property crime has gone down… why?
Security Lighting
Home and Auto Alarm Systems
Steering Wheel Locks
Locks on Doors and Windows
Less cash being carried because of Credit Cards

3. Arson
Arson is the willful and malicious burning of a person’s property
In most states it is a crime to burn any building or structure, even if you own it
Moreover, burning property with the intent to defraud an insurance company is usually a separate crime, regardless of the type of property burned or who owns the property

4. Arson
Arson has also been a form of racial violence at times in US History as well.
In 1996, the Church Arson Prevention Act of was passed to help prevent arsons at places of worship

5. Stop… and Think!
(Gordon Hayword Level) Recall and List reasons what makes Arson the first crime against property of the chapter…
(Jimmy Butler Level) Distinguish specific reasons why Arson is symbolically a worse crime then the other upcoming property crimes…
(Kevin Durant Level) Cite evidence (on your ipads) on when arson has happened historically and how it has been used in US History…
(Lebron James Level) Analyze the base definition of Arson and how this crime can be used and why it is the worst of all the property crimes…

6. Vandalism
Vandalism, also known as malicious mischief, is willful destruction of, or damage to the property of another
Vandalism costs millions in property damage each year through:
Breaking Windows
Ripping Down Fences
Writing Graffiti
Breaking Off Car Hood Ornaments
Vandalism can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the extend of the damage.

7. Larceny
Larceny is the unlawful of taking and carrying away of the property of another person against his or her will with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
In most states, larceny is divided into 2 varieties
Grand
Petty

8. Larceny
Grand Larceny involves the theft of anything above a certain value, often $1000 or more, and it is a FELONY
Petty Larceny is the theft of anything of less value, usually less than $1000, and it is a MISDEMEANOR

9. Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a form of larceny, it is the taking of items from a store without paying or intending to pay for them
Concealment is a separate crime where this is the crime of “attempted shoplifting”
“Nearly half of all high school students report that they have shoplifted within the previous 12 months”

10. Embezzlement
Embezzlement is the unlawful taking of property by someone to whom it was entrusted
For example: A bank teller who takes money out of their cash drawer
Or my former student who was a Modell’s worker
In recent years, a number of states have merged the crimes of embezzlement, larceny, and obtaining property by false pretenses into “statutory” crimes of theft.

11. Stop… and Think!
(Celine Dion Level) State why you believe “nearly half of all HS students have shoplifted within the last year…”
(Mariah Carey Level) Modify the difference from petty larceny and grand larceny into a $$$ amount you feel is justified instead of $1000…
(Rhianna Level) Formulate reasons why embezzlement is often misunderstood as a crime compared to larceny…
(Madonna Level) Critique the term “Political Vandalism” and whether political vandalism is acceptable/ art or just vandalism (for ex. Banksy)

12. Robbery
Robbery is the unlawful taking of property from a person’s immediate possession by force or intimidation
It is BOTH a crime against a person AND property
Unlike other theft offenses it involves two harms
Theft of the Property
Actual or potential physical harm to the victim
In most states, the difference between robbery and larceny is the use of force

13. Larceny vs. Robbery
In the example of a pickpocket, who takes your wallet unnoticed is guilty of……
LARCENY!!!
A mugger, who knocks you down and takes your wallet by force is guilty of……
ROBBERY!!!

14. Last things for Robbery
In most states robbery is a almost always a felony
Many states impose stricter penalties for armed robberies- thefts committed with a gun or other weapons

15. Extortion
Extortion , more popularly known as “Black Mail”, is the use of threats to obtain the property of another.
Extortion statutes generally cover threats to do future harm, destroy property, or injure someone’s character or reputation
For example- a person who threatens to injure you or your property if you don’t give them your car is guilty of extortion.

16. Stop… and Think!
(Arby’s Level) Recall and list the many reasons of why robbery is different than any other theft crime we have or will discussed this chapter…
(Wendy’s Level) On your iPad, compare different armed robberies and find the weirdest item someone used in an armed robbery (PG13!)…
(Chipotle Level) When thinking of literary/ historical characters such as Jessie James and Robin Hood, apply how the crime of robbery can be distorted. Feel free to add other examples in history…
(In and Out Level) On your iPads, apply the concept of extortion to an event in history where extortion or the threat of extortion changed history…

17. Burglary
Burglary was originally defined as breaking and entering the dwelling of another person during the night with intent to commit a felony therein.
Modern laws now broadened the definition to “the unauthorized entry into any structure with the intent to commit a crime, regardless of the time of the day.”
Stiffer penalties happen with…
Inhabited dwellings
At night
With Weapons

18. Identity Theft
Identity Theft is a new/ modern version of forgery/ fraud where a thief steals a piece of personal information such as your:
Social Security Number
Bank Account Number
Credit Card Number… etc etc etc
Then uses it to commit fraud or further theft like buying goods and services or taking money from the victim

19. Identity Theft Identity Theft can happen as easily as
A thief looking through your trash for bank statements
Sending a check to anyone
Online shopping… etc etc etc
This can cause you to lose a lot of money
Some scams work by charging a small amount month to month believing the card or bank account user will not notice it

20. Stop… and Think!
(Snoop Dogg level) List any other tips you can thing of or look up other tips on your iPads that can prevent identity theft…
(Jay Z Level) Compare burglary and identity theft. Which crime would you rather have happen to you and why?
(2Pac Level) Investigate other elements which turn burglary into a stiffer crime and penalties besides elements found on the notes…
(Notorious BIG Level) Connect the notes and look up what would be the costliest cash of identity theft in NJ, the US, and the World…

21. Identity Theft Ways to prevent identity theft include:
Check your credit report
Be wary of any unsolicited or unfamiliar s requesting your information
Protect your personal information in your own home
Create hard passwords
NOT or ABC123 or First Initial/ Last Name
Guard personal information highly even when sending applications and resumes for jobs, online, etc
Do not give out personal information unless it is a secure way of doing it
Shred your personal documents and dispose of your trash properly
Do not carry your Social Security Card with you
Pay attention to credit card statements and bank statements

22. Forgery
Forgery is a crime in which a person falsely makes or alters a writing or document with intent to defraud
Usually this involves someone signing the name of another person to a check or some other document without permission.
It can mean changing or erasing part of a previously signed document, such as the amount on a check

23. Uttering
Uttering is a separate offense in many states from forgery which is offering someone a document as genuine although it is known to be a fake.

24. Receiving Stolen Property
Receiving Stolen Property – This crime happens if you receive or buy property that you know or have reason to believe is stolen
Knowledge that property is stolen may be implied by the circumstances, for example, buying goods “out of the trunk of a car” or for a price that is unreasonably low
In most states, receiving stolen property is a felony if the value of the property received is more than $ …
…and a misdemeanor if it is less than $ …

25. Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (UUV)– is committed if the person only intends to take the vehicle temporarily
This crime includes joyriding…

26. Carjacking
Carjacking occurs if a person uses force or intimidation to steal a car from a driver
Carjacking is a FEDERAL crime and is punishable by a sentence of up to life in prison.

27. Cybercrime
Cybercrime, also called computer crime, describes a wide range of actions that involve computers and computer networks in criminal activities
Some of these crimes include:
Cyber theft (Like traditional theft)
Cyber stalking (Like traditional stalking)

28. Cybercrime Other crimes are internet or technology based:
Spamming- getting unsolicited s
Phishing- attempts to illegally acquire personal material
Denial-of-service attacks- worms, viruses, etc
Controversial crimes occur as well:
Illegal Downloading of Music
Hacking
Transition of Obscene Images, Sounds, and Movies

29. Stop… and Think!
(Baby Spice level) Recall if you have ever committed forgery under the letter of the law… Also look up a story on your iPad about receiving stolen property… what was stolen and how were they caught?
(Ginger Spice level) Summarize the video seen for carjacking and interpret how other crimes with threats of violence could be empty or dangerous…
(Scary Spice level) Looking up on your iPads, compare and contrast the definition of uttering as a crime in 2 different states. What is different/ the same in these states?
(Posh Spice level) Critique cybercrime and discuss how other crimes can be perpetrated through the use of technology and the internet…