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Monday, December 15, 2008
Ind. Law - Theft can lead to serious consequences
Ken Kosky's "It's the Law" column in the NWI Times this week focuses on the crime of theft. A few quotes form the story:
[P]olice and prosecutors want to remind people that they could be taken to jail on a felony theft charge for swiping a single item.Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel said police and prosecutors have the discretion to opt for either a felony theft charge or a misdemeanor conversion charge. But a check of police reports shows most people are slapped with the felony, and that charge is punishable by up to three years in jail.
Porter County Sheriff David Lain said stealing increases both before and after Christmas. Before Christmas, shoplifting increases simply because there are more people in the stores. There are also more wallets snatched and presents removed from cars because thieves see more opportunities, Lain said.
Then, after Christmas, thieves steal the new GPS devices and other electronics people received for Christmas.
In addition to thefts increasing, police sometimes see a rise in burglaries and robberies during the holidays. Burglary is the taking of property from a home or building. Robbery is the taking of property directly from a person.
While theft is punishable by up to three years behind bars, home burglary and robbery committed with a weapon or resulting in injury carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
At this time of year, police put extra emphasis on patrolling shopping districts and neighborhoods. And stores increase their security.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on December 15, 2008 01:37 PM
Posted to Indiana Law