What is the difference between theft and robbery
• A: The laws of your state will outline the difference, and the definitions usually vary from state to state. However, theft is typically defined as the taking of property or some other thing of value (like services) without permission of the owner and with the intention of keeping or using the thing taken for yourself. Shoplifting or stealing cable TV services is theft. In some states, theft is known as “larceny.” Robbery, on the other hand, usually involves taking something from someone else by use of force or the threat of force. Stealing a victim’s purse at gun-point is a good example of robbery.
