1
as in robberies
the unlawful taking and carrying away of property without the consent of its owner
while violent crime in the city has decreased dramatically, rates of theft and vandalism have risen slightly
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Recent Examples of thefts
After weeks of overnight fuel thefts, Rocklin police arrested a suspect during an early Thursday traffic stop, the department announced.
—
Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Investigators in Stockton are looking for clues and suspects in the Wednesday burglaries, which have become the latest incidents in a string of Pokémon card thefts across the country.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 19 June 2026
For residents concerned about future thefts, Colina recommended creating the illusion of occupancy when away, such as leaving a car in the driveway or placing a pair of worn shoes outside the front door.
—Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Local media also reported that the Ho Chi Minh City police investigation into a spate of pet thefts resulted in the arrest of nine people.
—Hau Dinh, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
The rising price of oil created a black market for grease, and as noted in a 2008 New York Times article, restaurant grease thefts have spiked; the article opened with the story of a man who stole 300 gallons of grease from a Burger King.
—Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
The store reported two thefts, including one where various alcohol valued at $1,250 was stolen.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
The state that suffered from the highest frequency of vehicle thefts last year, according to the NICB, is California, with a whopping 136,998 units reported stolen.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
This safety feature is indispensable, which makes this new wave of thefts particularly pernicious.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Investigators in Stockton are looking for clues and suspects in the Wednesday burglaries, which have become the latest incidents in a string of Pokémon card thefts across the country.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 19 June 2026
For residents concerned about future thefts, Colina recommended creating the illusion of occupancy when away, such as leaving a car in the driveway or placing a pair of worn shoes outside the front door.
—Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Local media also reported that the Ho Chi Minh City police investigation into a spate of pet thefts resulted in the arrest of nine people.
—Hau Dinh, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
The rising price of oil created a black market for grease, and as noted in a 2008 New York Times article, restaurant grease thefts have spiked; the article opened with the story of a man who stole 300 gallons of grease from a Burger King.
—Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
The store reported two thefts, including one where various alcohol valued at $1,250 was stolen.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
The state that suffered from the highest frequency of vehicle thefts last year, according to the NICB, is California, with a whopping 136,998 units reported stolen.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
This safety feature is indispensable, which makes this new wave of thefts particularly pernicious.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thefts
Noun
-
Vandalism, assaults and robberies downtown have driven businesses out, and a noticeable lack of police presence makes people reluctant to return.—
Lily Wright,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
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In practical terms, according to a person familiar with the discussions surrounding the new requirement, ships may need to use armed security teams on board or equipment designed to prevent hijackings, kidnappings or robberies.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The mayor's office is up for grabs as Muriel Bowser is set to leave her position after serving three terms.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
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The match became even more important after Spain, the heavy favorite to win Group H and a contender to win tournament, tied Cape Verde 0-0 in the earlier match, leaving the group lead up for grabs.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thefts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thefts. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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