In criminal law, what is the main characteristic of a property crime?

The main characteristic of a property crime is the theft or destruction of property. This type of crime is primarily concerned with the unlawful taking of someone else's possessions or damaging physical property. Unlike violent crimes, property crimes do not necessarily involve physical harm to individuals; instead, they focus on infringing upon a person's right to control their own belongings.

The essence of property crime encompasses a range of offenses, including burglary, larceny, vandalism, and arson, all of which result in a loss, damage, or unauthorized use of someone else's property. This focus on the ownership and control of physical items distinguishes property crimes from other types that might involve personal harm or deceitful actions without directly impacting someone else's tangible assets. Understanding this characteristic helps to delineate property crimes within the broader context of criminal law.