Which of the following is an essential characteristic of the crime of theft?

The essential characteristic of the crime of theft is that the property must belong to someone else. This means that for an act to be classified as theft, the perpetrator must take or unlawfully control property that is not their own with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of it. Ownership is a foundational concept in property law and criminal law, making it crucial to establish that the property in question belongs to a different individual or entity. Without establishing the rightful ownership of the property, the act in question cannot meet the legal definition of theft.

In this context, the other options do not accurately capture essential elements of theft. For instance, the requirement that the property must be returned or that violence is involved are not necessary for the act to be classified as theft. Additionally, the location where the theft occurs is irrelevant, as theft can occur in both private and public settings.