Theft-Related Devices and Shoplifting Charges

 Posted on November 19, 2018 in Shoplifting

Retail theft is a serious crime in and of itself. Stores across the country lose billions of dollars in merchandise due to theft, and because of that laws are written to severely penalize perpetrators. In fact, retailers lost $50 billion in 2017 due to shoplifting and other forms of fraud. Shoplifting property valued up to $500 is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, whereas theft of property valued $500 to $10,000 is a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to three years in state prison.

However, there are other offenses that you can be charged with on top of theft charges that are not related to the value of the property taken. Possession of certain theft-related devices alone can land you in jail. Theft-related tools and devices vary, but a few of the most commonly used “high tech” gadgets include fabricated keys or devices used to steal from coin-operated machines, theft detection shielding devices, theft detection removal devices, and credit card scanners or recoding devices, used to defraud the customer.

Unlawful Possession of a Key or Device for a Coin-Operated Machine

Under Illinois 720 ILCS 5/16-6, possessing a key, drawing, print, mold of a key, device, or substance designed to do any of the following with intent to commit a theft from the machine is a Class A misdemeanor:

• Open;
• Break into;
• Tamper with; or
• Damage the coin-operated machine.

It is a Class 4 felony to possess such a key or device and to cause $300 in loss or damage to the machine.

Unlawful Use of a Theft Detection Shielding Device

It is a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or distribute a theft detection shielding device. Similarly, it as a Class A misdemeanor to possess a theft detection shielding device.

Unlawful Possession of a Theft Detection Device Remover

It is a Class A misdemeanor to possess a theft detection device remover.

Scanning Device or Reencoder

It is a Class 4 felony to possess or use a scanning device or recorder to take the information from a magnetic strip of a credit card or to recode the card, with intent to defraud the user.

Call a Rolling Meadows Theft Criminal Defense Lawyer Now

If you have been charged with shoplifting or any type of theft or possession of theft related tools, the charges can quickly add up. What may have been a minor offense, or no offense at all, can amount to serious jail time if prosecutors tack on additional charges, such as possession of multiple theft tools. It is time for you to contact experienced Rolling Meadows retail theft attorney Christopher M. Cosley today at 847-394-3200.

Sources:

http://time.com/money/4829684/shoplifting-fraud-retail-survey/

http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/072000050K16-6.htm