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Property Offences

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As you may have guessed, property crime involves the taking, destroying or altering of someone’s property.

However, many people do not realize that this can include your own property, especially if that property is co-owned, like in married or common-law relationships, or, in some employee/employer relationships.  

Below are some of the property offences in the Criminal Code of Canada:

  • Theft Under $5,000 – s. 334(b) of the Criminal Code 
  • Theft Over $5,000 – s. 334(a) of the Criminal Code 
  • Theft of a Motor Vehicle – s. 333.1 of the Criminal Code 
  • Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Consent – s. 335 of the Criminal Code 
  • Theft of Cattle – s. 338(2) of the Criminal Code 
  • Taking Cattle – Defacing – s. 338(1) of the Criminal Code 
  • Credit Card Theft - Forgery – s. 342 of the Criminal Code 
  • Robbery – s. 344 of the Criminal Code 
    • Robbery with a Firearm – s. 344(1)(a.1) 
  • Extortion – s. 346 of the Criminal Code 
  • Breaking and Entering – s. 348 of the Criminal Code  
  • Being Unlawfully in a Dwelling House – s. 349 of the Criminal Code 
  • Possession of Break-in Tools – s. 351(1) of the Criminal Code 
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – s. 355 of the Criminal Code 
  • Theft From Mail – s. 356 of the Criminal Code 
  • Bringing into Canada Property Obtained by Crime – s. 357 of the Criminal Code 
  • Fraud Under $5,000 – s. 380(1)(b) of the Criminal Code 
  • Fraud Over $5,000 – s. 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 
  • Insider Trading – s. 382.1 of the Criminal Code 
  • Identity Theft – s. 402.2 of the Criminal Code 
  • Personation – s. 403 of the Criminal Code 
  • Mischief – s. 430(4) of the Criminal Code 
    • Mischief Over $5,000 – s. 430(3) of the Criminal Code 
    • Mischief – Danger to Life – s. 430(2) of the Criminal Code 
  • Unauthorized Recording of a Movie – s. 432(1) of the Criminal Code 
  • Arson – s. 433 of the Criminal Code 
  • Injuring or Endangering Animals – s. 445 of the Criminal Code 
  • Making Counterfeit Money – s. 449 of the Criminal Code 
  • Possession of Counterfeit Money – s. 450 of the Criminal Code 
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Penalties

Property crime can range from some of the lower end offences in the Criminal Code of Canada, such as theft of a chocolate bar, to some of the most serious crimes under the Criminal Code, like robbery. The sentences, or penalties, for property crime can also widely vary. It is possible to receive court diversion for a property offence (which does not result in a criminal record); it’s also possible to receive a life sentence for property crime.  

If you, or someone you know, has been charged with a property offence, or is being investigated for a property offence, it is imperative that you receive legal advice as soon as possible. Immediate legal advice at the investigation stage – before an individual has been formally charged – could make the difference between being charged by the police with a minor offence, or a more serious offence. Contact us now for a free consultation.