Physical Security Professional Certification Practice Exam

What are the three factors that comprise the Theft Triangle?

1. Motive, Desire, Opportunity

2. Motive, Means, Opportunity

3. Desire, Means, Opportunity

4. Motive, Desire, Ability

The correct answer is: Motive, Desire, Opportunity

The Theft Triangle is a well-known concept in criminology that identifies the three essential elements that must be present for a theft to occur. The correct answer focuses on the factors that drive an individual to commit a theft, which are Motive, Means, and Opportunity. Motive refers to the psychological or emotional reasons behind why a person would want to commit a theft. This could include financial need, desire for material possessions, or other personal motivations. Means pertains to the capability of the individual to carry out the theft, which may involve the skills, tools, or resources necessary to steal. Opportunity constitutes the environmental factors that make theft possible, such as a lack of security measures or the availability of targets. While "Desire" may seem relevant, it is essentially an extension of Motive and does not stand alone as a key component of the Theft Triangle. Therefore, the focus should be on the combination of Motive, Means, and Opportunity as the fundamental conditions that create the potential for theft to occur. This understanding is crucial for developing effective physical security strategies to prevent theft.