Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the intent behind theft?

1. To destroy property

2. To deprive another person of property use

3. To borrow property without permission

4. To increase property value

The correct answer is: To deprive another person of property use

The intent behind theft is best described as the intention to deprive another person of their property, either temporarily or permanently. This concept is central to the legal definition of theft, which involves taking someone else's belongings with the intent to negate their ability to use or enjoy that property. The focus is on the wrongful taking and the intent to prevent the owner from using their property, which aligns with option B. In contrast, destroying property doesn't necessarily involve unlawfully taking another's property, as it focuses more on damage rather than deprivation. Borrowing property without permission typically suggests a temporary, albeit unauthorized, use, which doesn’t capture the full intent of theft as a criminal act. Increasing property value is irrelevant in the context of theft, as it concerns enhancing property rather than unlawfully taking away or depriving someone of their right to possess or use their property.