Which of the following best describes an ‘accessory’ in the context of property crimes?

An accessory in the context of property crimes refers to an individual who assists another person in committing a crime, but does so without being physically present at the scene of the crime. This role typically involves providing support or resources that facilitate the crime, such as planning, helping to secure tools or information, or providing alibis.

Understanding this definition is crucial for distinguishing between different roles individuals might play in a criminal event. The other roles described do not meet the criteria for being an accessory: someone directly involved in committing the crime would be classified as a principal perpetrator, a victim is a person harmed by the crime, and a police officer is tasked with enforcing the law and investigating crimes rather than participating in criminal activity. This clarification helps reinforce the nuances of criminal law as it pertains to property crimes and the various roles individuals can assume in such situations.