petty theft

noun

: the crime of stealing something that does not have a high value

Examples of petty theft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The 12-year-old from San Francisco was charged with assault, robbery, burglary, grand theft, organized retail theft and petty theft, according to Fox 11. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 24 Nov. 2024 Her previous charges range from petty theft to battery causing serious injury. Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025 Spikes in crime on the subway have put the system in the national spotlight as offenses ranging from petty theft to stabbings and murders have been publicized in the past year. Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025 The measure means tougher penalties for repeat thieves, allowing for felony charges for people with two prior petty theft convictions, even if that third theft is just swiping shampoo. Teri Figueroa, The Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for petty theft

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Cite this Entry

“Petty theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty%20theft. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Legal Definition

petty theft

see theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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