Larceny-theft

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Definition

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program defines larceny-theft as the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Examples are thefts of bicycles, thefts of motor vehicle parts and accessories, shoplifting, pocket-picking, or the stealing of any property or article that is not taken by force, violence, or fraud. Attempted larcenies are included in offense totals. Embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, check fraud, etc., are excluded.

Overview

• In 2018, there were an estimated 5,217,055 larceny-thefts nationwide. The number of larceny-thefts declined 5.4 percent when compared with the 2017 estimate. The number decreased 10.2 percent when compared with the 2014 estimate, and it declined 17.7 percent when compared with the 2009 estimate. (See Table 1.)

• The rate of estimated larceny-thefts in 2018 was 1,594.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. From 2017 to 2018, the rate of estimated larceny-thefts declined 6.0 percent, and from 2009 to 2018, the rate decreased 22.8 percent. (See Tables 1 and 1A.)

• Larceny-thefts accounted for an estimated 72.5 percent of property crimes in 2018. (Based on Table 1.)

• The average value of property taken during larceny-thefts was $1,153 per offense. When the average value is applied to the estimated number of larceny-thefts, the loss to victims nationally was an estimated $6.0 billion. (Based on Tables 1 and 23.)

• Thefts from motor vehicles accounted for 27.0 percent of all larceny-thefts in 2018. (See Table 23.)

Expanded data

Expanded offense data are the details of the various offenses that the UCR Program collects beyond the count of how many crimes law enforcement agencies report. These details may include the type of weapon used in a crime, type or value of items stolen, and so forth. In addition, expanded data include trends (for example, 2-year comparisons) and rates per 100,000 inhabitants.

Expanded information regarding larceny-theft is available in the following tables:

• Trends (2-year): Tables 12, 13, and 14

• Rates (per 100,000 inhabitants): Tables 16, 17, and 18

• Offense Analysis: Table 23

• Larceny-theft Table, “Larceny-theft, Percent Distribution by Region, 2017” 

Larceny-theft Figure

What you won't find on this page

Statistics about embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, check fraud, etc.

Clearance and arrest data for larceny-theft.