Article 852 — Petty Theft.

(1) Whoever, prompted by need or desire or by lack of conscience, takes a thing of small value belonging to another for his immediate consumption or use, is punishable with fine not exceeding fifty Birr or arrest not exceeding fifteen days. The Court may impose no punishment when the petty offender was urged by hardship or need duly proven. (2) A petty theft committed to the prejudice of an ascendant, a descendant or a spouse not legally separated shall not be punishable. (3) According to the circumstances of the case. custom and the object of the theft, the Court shall appreciate whether the stolen thing must be regarded as of small value and whether an intention to secure an illicit enrichment, which is the constituent element of theft (Art. 665) ,must not be admitted.