Octogenarian arrested!

I just read here that an octogenarian, Edna Jester was arrested in the United States for taking a teenage neighbour's football! Hmm! This ball was not just "taken", the teenage played (throwed) the ball into the old woman's yard!


Now for "taking" the ball Edna Jester was arrested for "petty theft".

She is to appear in Court on the 12th of November, 2008.

My questions:
1. Would it amount to "theft" if I seize a football thrown into my compound by some kids?
2. If there was a damage who would be responsible for that reckless act?

Read the full gist here.