In the context of property crimes, what does 'possession' refer to?

'Possession' in the context of property crimes refers to having control over property, either lawfully or unlawfully. This concept is crucial because it encompasses various levels of control, meaning that an individual can possess property even if they are not the legal owner.

For example, an individual may have possession of stolen goods without having any lawful rights to those items. The law can regard a person as possessing property when they have physical control over it, regardless of their ownership status. This understanding plays a significant role in property crime investigations, as proving possession can help establish the connection between an individual and potentially criminal activities involving stolen property.

The other options do not fully capture the legal implications of possession. Ownership of property typically refers to having legal title, which can be distinguishable from merely possessing something. Being in the vicinity of stolen goods, while potentially suspicious, does not imply the same level of control or responsibility as possessing the goods. Storing goods in a personal storage unit also indicates a type of control, but it doesn’t reflect the broader legal implications that are associated with possession in the context of property crimes.