Which protection is NOT provided under the Eighth Amendment?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution is primarily concerned with prohibiting excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. Therefore, the correct answer identifies an option that is not covered under the protections provided by the Eighth Amendment.

Protection against theft falls under criminal laws and offenses, rather than being a specific provision of the Eighth Amendment. The Eighth Amendment does not address issues related to property crimes like theft, which are governed by different statutes and legal frameworks. Instead, it focuses specifically on the treatment of individuals in the context of the criminal justice system, particularly in relation to penalties and bail.

The other items mentioned in the question—cruel punishments, excessive bail, and excessive fines—are all explicitly referenced in the Eighth Amendment, highlighting their importance in ensuring humane treatment and judicial fairness for defendants.