Should felony threshold be lowered back down to $500 again?

[bubbaturbo]

My understanding is that in 2016 the amount required for a theft to be considered a felony was changed by vote from $500 to $1000.
Now we see all kinds of merchandise being locked up in stores like Home Depot. Would lowering the amount back to $500 again do any good or is it more of a failure to prosecute or maybe a failure to detain the thief? What will help stop this?

 

[Judi]

Should be .01 .....

one cent ....

good old fashion wood shampoo on the first time thief ...makes them wonder if they will get the extra rinse next time...

 

[rickm]

Thief is thief and should all be prosecuted to the fullest the law allows no excuses

 

[BobbyV]

If folks were properly charged and prosecuted it shouldn't matter what the $ amount of the stolen items might equal.

 

[ConstitutionCowboy]

Remove any and all negative consequences for protecting your property. I believe that would have a greater effect in reducing theft. It might cause an immediate rise in the negative consequences of thievery, but would quickly diminish due to attrition.

Woody

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

I certainly don't think a theft in any dollar amount, regardless of how small, should be a felony. But I also don't think $1000 is reasonable. I'd rather see it at $500. But with the way inflation's going, it doesn't take much to reach that $1000 threshold. So maybe attempt to categorize items into some sort of priority system. But that sounds too complicated and subjective.

On the other hand, if you're caught stealing from someone's property, justice should be swift and severe.

 

[Pstmstr]

Yes and the law should be changed where it’s legal to shoot a fleeing felon like it used to be.

 

[TeamTomlyn]

Remove any and all negative consequences for protecting your property. I believe that would have a greater effect in reducing theft. It might cause an immediate rise in the negative consequences of thievery, but would quickly diminish due to attrition.

Woody

Would certainly change the definition of "Trap House"

 

[Snattlerake]

I took theft reports where someone stole a vehicle. It was not a felony because the car wasn't worth $500.

Look at what the west coast did by not prosecuting shoplifting and making all thefts misdemeanors. It has killed businesses and therefore the communities. You gets what you votes for.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Felony theft definitely should be lower that $1,000. Maybe as low as $100. Look at what is happening in many OKC neighborhoods. People go around checking car doors all the time. If they damage the car in the process of breaking in the owner is stuck with a deductible and no compensation for damage. People walk into garages and walk out with lawn mowers.