Which term describes the unlawful taking of property?

The term that describes the unlawful taking of property is theft. Theft is a broad legal concept that encompasses various forms of property crime, including taking someone else's belongings without permission with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. It can involve different scenarios, such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, and other forms of larceny.

While there are other terms related to property crimes, they have specific definitions that distinguish them from theft. For instance, robbery involves taking property directly from a person through force or intimidation, which elevates it to a more serious offense due to the potential for violence. Burglary, on the other hand, refers to entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft, inside. Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to a person, typically in a professional or fiduciary capacity. Thus, theft remains the most general term applicable to the unlawful taking of property in various circumstances.