Possession of stolen property occurs when a person is in possession of an item, knowing it was obtained through criminal activity. In other words, if someone holds property they know was illegally acquired, they are committing the offense of possession of stolen property. For example, if a friend gives you a bicycle and tells you they stole it, and you keep it, you are guilty of possession of stolen property. However, if you receive a stolen gift without knowing it was stolen, you cannot be held responsible for possession of stolen property, as knowledge of the criminal origin is essential to prove this offense.