Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What type of theft specifically identifies the victim as a store?

1. Retail Theft

2. Burglary

3. Shoplifting

4. Embezzlement

The correct answer is: Retail Theft

Retail theft specifically identifies the victim as a store because it involves taking merchandise from a retail establishment with the intent to permanently deprive the store of that property. This type of theft is legally distinct from other forms of theft because it directly pertains to the retail environment. While shoplifting is often used colloquially to describe the act of stealing from a store, retail theft is the formal term that encompasses a broader range of activities related to the unlawful acquisition of goods from a retailer. Retail theft statutes and definitions often include specific provisions that apply to the retail context, distinguishing it clearly from other theft-related offenses such as robbery or burglary, which might involve different motivations or settings. Embezzlement, on the other hand, typically involves the misappropriation of funds or assets entrusted to an individual's care, and does not specifically refer to stealing from a retail store.