# Theft at home? Up to 7 years, not 3. > Plain theft is up to 3 years (PPC s.379). Theft in a home, by a servant, or of a car or motorcycle is up to 7 years (ss.380, 381, 381-A). - Topic: Criminal law - For: Citizens - A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/theft-at-home-up-to-7-years-not-3 - Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-23 ## Myth or fact? What people often think. - **Myth: Theft is theft. The punishment is always the same.** - **Fact: Plain theft is up to 3 years (s.379). Theft in a home, by a servant, or of a vehicle is up to 7 years (ss.380, 381, 381-A).** ## The law. Section 381, PPC. > "Whoever being a clerk or servant, or being employed in the capacity of a clerk or servant, commits theft in respect of any property in the possession of his master or employer, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 381) ## Four levels. The prison terms. - **Theft, s.379** Up to 3 years, or fine, or both. - **In a home, s.380** Up to 7 years, and also fine. - **By a servant, s.381** Up to 7 years, and also fine. - **A vehicle, s.381-A** Up to 7 years, fine up to its value. ## Not only houses. Section 380, PPC. - **Where** A building, tent or vessel. - **Used as** A human dwelling, or for the custody of property. ## Bikes and tube-wells. Section 381-A, PPC. - **Vehicles** Cars, motorcycles, scooters and tractors. - **Explanation** A tube-well's electric motor or a transformer counts too. ## Quick quiz. Found it late. Guess first, then swipe for the answer. - **A. Yes, always** - **B. Not always** - **C. Only after 7 days** ## Answer: B. 2023 PCrLJ 1472. Sindh High Court. - **The holding** Delay in reporting a s.381 offence may at times be inevitable. - **Why** Such theft often comes to the surface only later. ## Name them carefully. 2011 SCMR 355, Supreme Court. - **The facts** No one named in the FIR. Names added 7 months later. - **The gap** No identification parade, nothing recovered from them. - **The result** Bail: their guilt needed further inquiry. ## Protect your home. Simple habits before anything goes missing. - **Records** Photos and receipts of jewellery and valuables. - **Staff details** CNIC copy, address and a reference for anyone you hire. - **Report fast** Go to the police as soon as you notice. ## Something stolen? Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it. - **Our maid left and our gold is missing. Which section applies and what should we do?** - **What is the punishment for motorcycle theft under section 381-A PPC?** ## Sources - Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 381: Theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master --- Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. FAI Media is part of FAI Legal (https://failegal.site), research on Pakistani statutes and judgments. Free to watch and read.