Physical Security Professional Certification Practice Exam

The "Theft Triangle" contains which three factors:

1. Threat, vulnerability, and opportunity

2. Capable Guardian, vulnerability, and presence

3. Performance phase, opportunity phase, and desire

4. Desire, motive, and opportunity

The correct answer is: Desire, motive, and opportunity

The "Theft Triangle" is a concept that outlines the three critical factors that must be present for theft to occur. These factors are desire, motive, and opportunity. Desire refers to the offender's wish or want to commit the theft. It is the driving force behind the act, whether it is the allure of acquiring a specific item or the need or urge that motivates the individual to steal. Motive encompasses the reasons behind that desire; it often relates to the need or justification that the thief has for committing the act. This can include various personal or situational reasons that lead someone to steal, such as financial hardship or peer pressure. Opportunity is the circumstance or situation that allows the theft to take place. This factor is crucial because without an opportunity to commit the act — such as an unlocked door or an unattended item — the theft generally cannot occur. Together, these three elements form the foundation of the Theft Triangle, illustrating how crime is not merely a result of individual choice but rather a confluence of motivations, desires, and the situational context that allows theft to happen. Understanding this triangle is essential for physical security professionals when assessing risks and developing strategies to prevent theft.