Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2026

The term "attempted crime" accurately captures the nature of an action where an individual has engaged in a process aimed at committing a crime, such as theft, but has not successfully completed the act. In legal terminology, an "attempt" refers to a situation where a person takes substantial steps toward committing an offense with the intent to complete it, even if they ultimately fail or are apprehended before the crime occurs.

In this context, the individual has demonstrated intent to steal, which clearly aligns with the definition of attempted theft, making "attempted crime" the best fit. This term encapsulates the idea that, while the crime was not completed, the person's actions were directed toward the commission of a criminal act, thereby establishing legal grounds for apprehension.

Other terms, such as "break and enter," would imply a specific method of executing theft (gaining illegal access to a premises), which may not be applicable in all attempted theft situations; "criminal mischief" pertains to damage or destruction of property rather than theft; and "robbery" involves taking property through force or intimidation, which is not the case in an attempted theft scenario that does not include these elements. Thus, "attempted crime" is the most appropriate description for the action