When is it Called "Theft"

Let's say I walk mutton-head at the same field every day, running her ass ragged chasing the ball. Let's say this field is on the property of a public high school. The field is underused and poorly maintained. It is adjacent to a well looked after baseball field on one side and an equally well looked after soccer field on another side.


We don't go on the baseball field, but we do walk about the outskirts of the soccer field. I am a responsible pet owner. [No, not a pet guardian, thanks.] I clean up her poop. Yes, it's against the law to be on school grounds with a dog. And, yes, it's further against the law to let a dog off-leash in this particular area.


Let's say I pass by the bleachers three days in a row and see a spanking-new high school sweatshirt on one of the rows. After three days, is it safe to take it home, wash it and re-gift it to Eldest at a future date?


Let's say it's only been there 24 hours. Am I guiltless in doing the above?


Let's say it's just been left overnight. Guiltless?


Let's say it's still warm from someone having just taken it off, neglecting to grab it as he ran off to class. Yeah, not so guiltless, eh?


I guess I'd better return the damn thing.