What action is necessary for a charge of retail fraud - theft?

For a charge of retail fraud - theft to be valid, the necessary action is that the property must be taken with the intent to permanently remove it. This means that the individual must have the intention to deprive the store of the property permanently, which distinguishes retail fraud from other forms of theft. The intent is critical in defining whether this act constitutes a crime under retail fraud laws.

In the context of this charge, the value of the item, the presence of witnesses, or the operational status of the store are not elements that directly define the retail fraud – theft offense itself. While these factors may be relevant in specific legal contexts, they do not establish the core basis for the offense. The focus remains on the individual's intention and actions with respect to the property taken.