Which Index crime involves taking property from a person by force or threat of force?

The correct answer is robbery. This crime is defined as taking property from a person using force or the threat of force. The key elements that characterize robbery include the direct interaction with the victim and the use of intimidation or physical harm to coerce the victim into surrendering their property. This distinguishes it from other property crimes, as robbery involves an immediate confrontation and the element of violence or the prospect of it.

In contrast, theft (which is sometimes referred to as larceny) involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, but it does not include force or threat against the person. Burglary pertains to breaking and entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, usually without involving confrontation with a person. Assault typically involves causing physical harm or the threat of harm but does not necessarily involve taking property. Thus, robbery is unique in that it combines the elements of theft with the violence or threat of violence against a person.