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A.(1)  For the purposes of this Section, a theft alarm deactivation device is any device which is designed or intended to remove or deactivate any electronic or magnetic device which is placed on or attached to merchandise and which is intended to cause an alarm to be activated if the merchandise is moved from an authorized to an unauthorized area without either payment for the merchandise having been made or permission having been obtained from the owner of the merchandise for the movement.

(2)  As used in this Section, the meaning of “owner” shall include an agent or employee of the owner authorized by the owner.

B.  Unlawful distribution of theft alarm deactivation devices is the sale, offer for sale, exchange, offer for exchange, donation, or offer for donation of any theft alarm deactivation device with the knowledge or intention that the device will be used to remove or deactivate any theft alarm device for the purpose of moving merchandise from an authorized area to an unauthorized area without either paying for the merchandise or obtaining the permission of the owner of the merchandise.

C.  Unlawful possession of theft alarm deactivation devices is the possession of any theft alarm deactivation device with the knowledge or intention that the device will be used to remove or deactivate any theft alarm device for the purpose of moving merchandise from an authorized area to an unauthorized area without either paying for the merchandise or obtaining the permission of the owner of the merchandise.

D.  Unlawful use of theft alarm deactivation devices is the use of any theft alarm deactivation device to remove or deactivate any theft alarm device for the purpose of moving merchandise from an authorized area to an unauthorized area without either paying for the merchandise or obtaining the permission of the owner of the merchandise.

E.  Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

Acts 2001, No. 909, §1.