What constitutes "theft" according to the Penal Code?

The definition of "theft" in the Penal Code involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This means that for an act to be classified as theft, the individual must have the intention of keeping the property rather than returning it. Thus, taking someone else's property permanently aligns perfectly with the legal definition of theft, as it captures the essence of intending not to restore the property to its rightful owner.

In contrast, taking property with the owner's knowledge does not meet the criteria for theft, as the owner's awareness typically implies permission or consent to the action. Similarly, borrowing property without permission could also suggest a lack of the criminal intent to permanently deprive the owner, differentiating it from theft. Lastly, falsely claiming ownership of property brings in an element of deception that might relate to fraud rather than the straightforward act of theft. Therefore, permanently taking someone else's property succinctly encapsulates the fundamental principle of theft as defined in the law.