TITLE 18

CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 24

THEFT

18-2411.  Unlawful use of theft detection shielding devices. (1)  A person commits unlawful use of a theft detection shielding device when he knowingly manufacturers [manufactures], sells, offers for sale or distributes any laminated, or coated bag or device peculiar to shielding and intended to shield merchandise from detection by an electronic or magnetic theft alarm sensor.

(2)  A person commits unlawful possession of a theft detection shielding device when he knowingly possesses any laminated or coated bag or device peculiar to and designed for shielding and intended to shield merchandise from detection by an electronic or magnetic theft alarm sensor, with the intent to commit theft.

(3)  A person commits unlawful possession of a theft detection device remover when he knowingly possesses any tool or device designed to allow the removal of any theft detection device from any merchandise without the permission of the merchant or person owning or holding the merchandise.

(4)  A person commits the offense of unlawful removal of a theft detection device when he intentionally removes the device from a product prior to purchase.

(5)  A person who commits unlawful use of a theft detection shielding device, unlawful possession of a theft detection shielding device, unlawful possession of a theft detection device remover or unlawful removal of a theft detection device shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for a first offense of a violation of the provisions of this section. Any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section, or any substantially conforming statute in another state or local jurisdiction for a second time within five (5) years, notwithstanding the form of the judgment(s) or withheld judgment(s), shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or shall be sentenced to the custody of the state board of correction for a term not to exceed five (5) years or both.

History:

[18-2411, added 2000, ch. 129, sec. 1, p. 305.]