Theft of Personal Items

Last updated on Apr 8, 2022

Sometimes, your personal items like your phone, expensive gadgets, bag, wallet, etc. might be stolen. This is a crime under the law(( Section 378, Indian Penal Code, 1860.)), and the thief can be punished with jail time of up to 3 years and/or a fine(( Section 379, Indian Penal Code, 1860.)).

Further, in case other factors are at play during the theft, such as a house break-in, then different punishments will apply.

If any of your personal items have been stolen, read here to understand the steps/options you can take to complain.

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Related Resources

What is Theft?

Theft is when someone takes away your property without your consent. Theft is a crime in India and the person committing theft is punished with jail time of up to 3 years and/or a fine.
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Types of Theft

Theft is not just a crime if personal items are stolen. Many other forms of theft are there and the law punishes people who commit theft based on the situation as well as depending on who they are.
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Theft of Electricity

Under the Indian law, theft of electricity happens when someone tampers meters, damages electric meters or equipment, etc.
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Theft of Computer-Related Data

Sometimes, your personal data stored on the computer may be stolen. This is also a form of theft, under the Indian law.
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House Break-Ins

Under the Indian law, when someone commits theft by breaking into a house, they are punished with a higher penalty.
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Complaining about Theft

If you face any kind of theft, such as theft of personal items or theft during traveling, you can file an FIR with the nearest police station.
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