Crimes against property

Crimes against property are discussed in Chapter 21 of the Criminal Code. They are understood as socially dangerous acts that violate the rights of owners to property and cause material damage or create the threat of harm. Due to the fact that they usually bring property benefits, the number of such crimes is always higher than any other category.

Crimes against property can be conditionally divided into types:

1. Kidnapping someone else's property. The crimes related to this group are committed with a mercenary purpose and are legally fixed in articles 158-162, 164 of the Criminal Code. The most common thefts are:

• Theft - the proportion of crimes with this composition is the highest. It is understood as the secret abduction of property, that is, the seizure of the crime subject takes place without the consent and knowledge of the person to whom it belongs. As a rule, it occurs in the absence of the owner or when he is sleeping or in a state of intoxication. An example could be the theft committed from an apartment, a warehouse, an office, a production room, a store, etc. However, embezzlement can be committed in the presence of a person, for example, from a bag of a person who is in crowded public transport. Theft also recognizes the seizure of property from a minor or a mentally disturbed person who does not realize the unlawfulness of the actions;
• Robbery is another crime against property. It is done openly. The perpetrator completely ignores the opinion of others, including the victim, demonstrating his willingness to repulse possible resistance. Robbery is mandatory in the presence of strangers. The presence of accomplices in the crime scene, as well as those close to the perpetrator, does not constitute a robbery, since he does not expect any opposition from them. This crime can be carried out with the use of violence. However, it should not be dangerous for the life of the victim and his health;
• Robbery is a more dangerous form of theft in comparison with others. In this case, the encroachment is not only on the property of the person, but also on his health and life. Most often, crimes are committed openly against a person whose property they are planning to acquire. Such acts are dangerous to life and health. At the same time, crimes against property, such as robbery, can be carried out secretly, for example, when attacking from behind.

2. Causing damage, not related to theft. A similar group is recorded in articles 163, 165 and 166. It includes:

• Extortion - is expressed in the requirement to transfer property to the perpetrator with the threat of violence against the owner or close people, damage (destruction) of his property, dissemination of disgracing information;
• Hijacking - illegal seizure of transport, which does not pursue the purpose of theft. This crime can be committed for various reasons: in order to ride, get to a certain place, etc.

3. Careless (st.168), intentional (st.167) damage to property. Responsibility for these unlawful acts under Part 1 comes only in the event of causing significant damage, the concept of which is not disclosed in the law. Both these crimes are not connected with the extraction of material benefits.

Crimes against property often have a material composition. This means that criminal responsibility may also be imposed for an unfinished illegal act. In this case, the qualification is made with reference to clause 14 of the general part of the Criminal Code. However, it should be remembered that the responsibility for such stages of the crime as preparation and attempt is only for serious and particularly serious crimes.