Crimes and Law Enforcement
Crimes and the Law
Breaking the Law
Sally didn't realize that she had broken the law. The police have banned parking in this street.
I must remember to get a license for my television.
The president admitted that there had been a breakdown of law and order.
Jim's parents wouldn't let him go to the demonstration.
Jake was arrested because he had entered the country illegally.
Talking to other students is against the rules of the examination.
The two men were arrested before they could commit any more crimes.
I had to take the company to court to get the money they owed me.
Smoking is prohibited near the petrol tanks.
Types of Crime and Criminals
This person takes control of a plane or boat by force: Hijacker
This person sees what happens during a crime or accident: Witness
This person brings goods into the country illegally: Smuggler
This person might steal food from a supermarket: Shoplifter
This person kills someone on purpose: Murderer
This person takes people and demands money for their return: Kidnapper
This person makes illegal copies of paintings, documents, etc: Forger
This person damages other people's property: Vandal
This person might steal your wallet in a crowd: Pickpocket
This person steals from houses: Burglar
This person gets money from others by threatening to tell secrets: Blackmailer
This person causes trouble at football matches: Hooligan
Police and Court Procedures
The customs officers arrested Bob and charged him with smuggling.
The police spent all morning searching the house for evidence.
Jean left her car in a no-parking area and had to pay a fine.
Unfortunately, at the end of the trial, my brother was found guilty.
The trial took a long time as the jury couldn't reach a verdict.
George won his case because he had a very good defense lawyer.
The police visited Dawn and asked her to make a statement.
Because of his past criminal record, Brian was the main suspect.
Pauline decided to sue the police because she had been wrongly accused.
The murderer of the children received a life sentence.
Harry was told that fishing in the lake was against the law.
Catherine led a secret life of crime before she was caught.
Other Situations
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I regret to tell you that you are under arrest.
I only attacked the young man in self-defense.
David was often in trouble with the police when he was young.
The robbers' car was hidden from sight behind the bank.
The kidnappers have been caught, and the child is no longer in danger.
Tony was caught by a policeman who was off duty and cycling to work.
The thieves took the wrong painting by mistake.
The suspicious manager left the safe unlocked on purpose.
The robbers met to plan the bank raid in secret.
Examples of Crimes
A young man attacks another and robs him of his wallet: Mugging
A 78-year-old woman steals a scarf from a department store: Shoplifting
A 14-year-old sets fire to litter bins and breaks car windows: Vandalism
A driver stops to sleep in his car; he has had three glasses of wine: Drink-driving
A criminal gang earns millions from buying and selling drugs: Trafficking
A group of teenagers illegally distributes films online: Internet piracy
A man has tricked people into emailing him their bank details; he uses this information to take money from their accounts: Identity fraud
A journalist breaks into the town hall to steal documents that will prove the mayor is guilty of corruption: Burglary