What crime is described as the wrongful taking of personal property by force or fear?

The crime described as the wrongful taking of personal property by force or fear is robbery. Robbery involves the use or threat of violence to take property from another person, making it distinct from other property crimes. The element of force or intimidation is what elevates robbery above theft, which can occur without direct interaction or confrontation with the victim.

In contrast, theft generally refers to taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it, but it does not involve the use of force or fear. Burglary refers to entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, rather than directly taking property from a person. Fraud involves deception to secure an unjust or illegal gain and does not involve direct confrontation or the immediate threat of harm to the victim. Thus, robbery is specifically characterized by its immediate and aggressive nature, focusing on the personal encounter during the act.