Which one of the following theft charges is considered the lesser offense?

Petty Theft is considered the lesser offense among the options provided because it typically involves the theft of items of lower value, often defined by a specific monetary threshold that varies by jurisdiction. In many places, this threshold could be around a few hundred dollars, making it a misdemeanor rather than a felony.

On the other hand, Grand Theft involves the unlawful taking of property valued above this threshold and is usually classified as a felony, subject to more severe penalties. Burglary refers to entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime, which does not directly classify it as theft but as an offense against property. Robbery, which involves taking property from a person using force or intimidation, is also a more serious crime, with penalties that surpass those associated with theft offenses. Thus, the distinction in severity of the crimes highlights why Petty Theft is recognized as the lesser offense in this context.