British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

When is theft considered complete?

1. When the object has moved

2. When the intent to steal is established

3. When the object is rendered movable

4. When the object is out of the owner's possession

The correct answer is: When the object is out of the owner's possession

Theft is considered complete when the object is out of the owner's possession. This means that for theft to occur, the individual must successfully take possession of the item or property without the owner's consent. At this point, the original owner no longer has control or ownership over that property, fulfilling one of the essential conditions for theft. When analyzing this within the context of the other options, moving the object or establishing intent does not, by themselves, constitute theft. For instance, merely moving an object doesn’t mean it has been stolen unless it is taken out of the owner’s possession without permission. Similarly, the intent to steal is a crucial part of theft but is only one element of the crime; it does not finalize the act of theft. Rendering an object movable also doesn’t equate to theft, as possession needs to be transferred as well. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of loss of possession in defining the completion of theft.