2025 Session Last amended: 2001 session

§ 609.521 — Possession of Shoplifting Gear

Plain-Language Summary

It is a gross misdemeanor to possess shoplifting tools such as electronic devices designed to remove security tags, foil-lined bags, or other devices intended for use in stealing merchandise.

609.521 POSSESSION OF SHOPLIFTING GEAR.

(a) As used in this section, an “electronic article surveillance system” means any electronic device or devices that are designed to detect the unauthorized removal of marked merchandise from a store.

(b) Whoever has in possession any device, gear, or instrument designed to assist in shoplifting or defeating an electronic article surveillance system with intent to use the same to shoplift and thereby commit theft may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

History:

1975 c 314 s 1; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1986 c 444; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 26

History: History: 1975 c 314 s 1; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1986 c 444; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 26

Practical Notes

This law allows police to charge people caught with shoplifting equipment even if they have not yet stolen anything. The tools must be designed for or commonly used in shoplifting. Simple possession with intent to use them for theft is enough.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes