Theft Act Offences
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines common offences under the Theft Act 1968 and the Theft Act 1978, providing legal principles and prosecutorial advice. It covers a range of offences including theft, robbery, burglary, and other related crimes. The document serves as a resource for prosecutors in determining appropriate charges and understanding key legal definitions and procedures related to these offences.
Key points
- Prosecutors must ensure they can prove the elements of theft for related charges.
- Recent possession of stolen goods can lead to inference of guilt unless credibly explained.
- Offences under the Theft Act include charges for handling stolen goods and making off without payment.
- Pet Abduction Act 2024 introduces specific rules for stealing animals.
- Prosecutions should consider public interest factors, including impact on victims and community.
- Burglary is defined by entry with intent to commit theft; prosecution must prove this intent.
Public-interest factors
- Impact on victims
- Value of stolen property
- Prevalence of offence in community
- Sentimental value of items stolen
- Seriousness of the crime
- Potential harm to the community
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-19. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.