What to do when something is stolen in Rhode Island

Rhode Island at a glance

Statute text checked on webserver.rilegislature.gov. Laws change; confirm the current version before relying on it.

Rhode Island by the numbers

These figures count reports made to federal agencies, so they measure what was reported, not every theft. National context is on the theft statistics page.

Reporting a theft in Rhode Island

In a state with 39 cities and towns, almost every theft goes first to the local police department; the Rhode Island State Police covers state highways and specialized cases. If a firearm is among the stolen items, the clock is short: Rhode Island requires owners to report a lost or stolen gun to local police within 24 hours of discovering the loss (see our stolen firearm guide).

The Providence Police Department's online system takes reports of theft, theft of vehicle parts, theft from vehicles, mail and package theft, identity theft, credit card fraud, vandalism and lost property for incidents in Providence. It is limited to cases with no known suspect and no physical evidence left at the scene, and it does not accept stolen vehicles, firearms or prescription medications; for those, call the department's dispatch line listed on that page. Other departments set their own rules. Our stolen property guide lists the serial numbers and photos to gather.

Rhode Island theft law and the felony threshold

Rhode Island charges theft as larceny and sets penalties by value in R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-5. Larceny becomes a felony when the value is more than $1,500, because the maximum sentence then exceeds one year, the line state law uses to define a felony.

• $1,500 or less: up to one year and a fine up to $500.
• More than $1,500 to under $5,000: up to three years and a fine up to $1,500.
• $5,000 to under $10,000: up to six years and a fine up to $3,000.
• More than $10,000, or any firearm: up to ten years and a fine up to $5,000.

Rhode Island also protects older victims. When the owner is 65 or older, larceny of $500 or less carries one to five years and larceny above $500 carries two to fifteen years. The section was last amended in 2021.

Stolen vehicles and license plates in Rhode Island

Chapter 31-9 of the General Laws covers vehicle theft and related offenses. Driving a vehicle without the owner's consent is a felony punishable by up to five years under § 31-9-1, even when the driver did not intend to keep it, and receiving or possessing a vehicle or parts known to be stolen is a felony under § 31-9-2. Under § 31-9-8, an owner or lienholder may notify the Division of Motor Vehicles of a theft; report to police first so the vehicle is entered into the national database. Providence does not take vehicle theft reports online.

For lost or stolen plates, the Rhode Island DMV asks for a police report or its Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration for Lost Plates, then offers a plate change (a new number) or a plate remake (the same number, ordered online or by mail). Replacement stickers are free at a DMV branch, or at AAA for members, with the current registration certificate. Rhode Island has no public stolen vehicle search; use the national tools in our check-if-stolen guide and the steps in our stolen vehicle guide.

Pawn shops and secondhand sales

Confirmed Stolen did not find a single statewide holding period for pawned goods that a victim can rely on, and licensing and reporting rules for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers are applied through cities and towns. If you see your property listed for sale, give the listing, serial number and photos to the officer handling your report rather than contacting the seller.

Identity theft and fraud help in Rhode Island

File with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and make a police report; Providence takes identity theft and credit card fraud reports online. The Rhode Island Attorney General's consumer complaint form handles disputes with businesses: complaints are taken in the order received, an investigator contacts the filer once a case is assigned, and matters outside the office's jurisdiction are referred to the proper agency. The office cannot act as a private attorney. Our identity theft guide and stolen wallet guide cover the fraud alerts and freezes to place first.

Checklists for what was stolen

Each guide opens with a checklist in the order to act, with a free printable PDF.

• Domain names
• Identity theft
• Vehicles
• Social media and email
• SIM swap and phone numbers
• Stolen phones
• Bicycles and e-bikes
• Packages and mail
• Wallets, cards and checks
• Passports
• Firearms
• Art and collectibles
• Cryptocurrency

This page is general information about Rhode Island, not legal advice. For your situation, consult an attorney licensed in Rhode Island.