Penal Code section 484 provides the general definition of theft, covering taking another's property through larceny, false pretenses, trick, or embezzlement. Penal Code section 487 defines grand theft, generally involving property valued above $950 (with lower thresholds for certain items like firearms) or specific categories such as theft from the person. Theft below the grand theft threshold is petty theft under related sections.
These statutes underlie almost every theft-related incident report a security officer writes, whether it is an employee suspected of embezzling from a business office, a shoplifting incident that exceeds the shoplifting-statute threshold, or theft of tools from a construction site. Correctly noting item values and how they were determined supports whatever charge is eventually pursued.
Security officers document facts — what was taken, its value, how the taking was observed — but valuation disputes and the petty-versus-grand distinction are legal determinations made by police and prosecutors. Officers performing a private-person arrest should be cautious about asserting a specific charge level in reports, sticking instead to observed facts.
Dollar thresholds and category rules have shifted through past ballot measures and may shift again; verify current statutory text before training staff on these distinctions.
Related entries
Official sources
- [1]Cal. Penal Code § 484California Legislative Information
- [2]Cal. Penal Code § 487California Legislative Information
Links point to the publishing agency or the California Legislative Information text. Government pages are reorganized periodically — if a link moves, search the code section or agency name at the official site.
General industry and regulatory usage — not legal advice, and not an endorsement by BSIS, the Department of Consumer Affairs, or any law-enforcement agency. Statutes, regulations, and local ordinances change; verify current text at the official government source or with your attorney.