A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.


In Illinois, the criminal offense of theft is defined under the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012. A person commits theft when they knowingly obtain or exert unauthorized control over property of the owner with the intent to deprive the owner permanently of the use or benefit of the property. Theft can also occur if a person knowingly obtains by deception control over the property of the owner, or obtains control over stolen property knowing it to have been stolen, or under such circumstances as would reasonably induce them to believe that the property was stolen. The severity of the theft charge in Illinois can range from a Class A misdemeanor for items valued under $500 to a Class X felony for theft exceeding certain values or involving particular circumstances, such as theft from a person or occurring in a school or place of worship. Penalties can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. The specific classification of the theft and the associated penalties are determined by the value of the stolen property and other factors such as the criminal history of the accused or the location where the theft occurred.