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To provide uniform definitions of crimes across state lines, the FBI requires police to classify the seven major "Part One" offenses as follows:
- Homicide: Willful killing.
- Rape: Forcible "carnal knowledge" of a female. FBI rules limit this category to female victims.
- Robbery: The taking or attempting to take items of value from someone using force or the threat of force.
- Aggravated assault: An attack or attempted attack on another to inflict severe bodily harm. Any use or threat of use of a gun in an attack makes it an aggravated assault. Assaults in which the injury, or threat of injury, is less serious are deemed simple assaults.
- Burglary: The illegal entry of a building, or attempted entry, to commit a felony or a theft.
- Theft: This includes pocket-picking, purse-snatching, shoplifting, smash-and-grabs from autos and other larcenies.
- Auto theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.