§ 13-1816 — Unlawful use, possession or removal of theft detection shielding devices; classification; definition

A. A person commits unlawful use of a theft detection shielding device if the person knowingly manufacturers, sells, offers for sale or distributes in any way a laminated or coated bag or device unique to and marketed for shielding and intended to shield merchandise from detection by an electronic or magnetic theft alarm sensor.

B. A person commits unlawful possession of a theft detection shielding device if, with the intent to commit theft or shoplifting, the person knowingly possesses any laminated or coated bag or device unique to and marketed for shielding and intended to shield merchandise from detection by an electronic or magnetic theft alarm sensor.

C. A person commits unlawful possession of a theft detection device remover if the person knowingly possesses any tool or device that is designed to allow the removal of any theft detection device from any merchandise and the person intended to use the tool to remove any theft detection device from any merchandise without the permission of the merchant or person who owns or holds the merchandise.

D. A person commits unlawful removal of a theft detection device if the person intentionally removes the device from merchandise before purchasing that merchandise.

E. A violation of this section is a class 6 felony.

F. For the purposes of this section, "merchant" means a person who offers for sale or exchange at least six like items of new and unused personal property in this state.