What is required for a merchant to prove larceny occurred?

For a merchant to successfully prove that larceny occurred, it is essential to establish that the goods were valued properly. Valuation of the stolen items is crucial because it not only helps to quantify the loss incurred by the merchant but also serves to fulfill legal requirements for the theft offense. The value of the items can affect the charges that may be brought against the perpetrator, as well as the potential consequences they may face.

In many jurisdictions, the severity of the charges for larceny can be impacted by the monetary value of the stolen goods, distinguishing between petty theft and grand theft, for example. Therefore, properly valuing the goods is a key element in demonstrating that larceny took place.

The other options do not contribute directly to proving larceny. The time of the theft, the presence of security personnel, or the existence of a shoplifting device may be related to the circumstances of the theft, but they do not inherently prove that the act of larceny occurred or establish the merchant's claims regarding the act.