Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) RADIO Practice Exam

What legal term is used for a theft that occurs without direct confrontation?

1. Burglary

2. Robbery

3. Arson

4. Pickpocketing

The correct answer is: Burglary

The correct term for a theft that occurs without direct confrontation is best described by the term burglary. Burglary involves entering a building or a structure with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft, but it does not require the presence or confrontation of a victim at the time of the crime. The key aspect here is the absence of direct confrontation since the perpetrator often leaves the premises without engaging with anyone directly. In contrast, robbery is characterized by taking property from another person through force or intimidation, which is inherently confrontational and does not align with the definition of a crime committed without direct interaction. Arson involves the willful burning or exploding of property and is unrelated to theft. Pickpocketing specifically refers to the stealthy act of stealing from someone's person without them noticing, but it does involve a form of confrontation, albeit a subtle one. Understanding these definitions clarifies why burglary is the correct answer as it strictly pertains to theft committed in the absence of direct interaction with a victim.