Representatives of the Union of Slovak Cities were set to meet with Attorney General Maroš Žilinka on Monday to discuss the sharp rise in petty theft. City officials say the surge follows an amendment to the Criminal Code.
The Union describes the situation as catastrophic, pointing to growing numbers of basement break-ins and small-scale shop thefts. Attorney General Žilinka has also criticized the amendment.
The Interior Ministry is proposing to address the issue through community service — allowing offenders to work off their punishment. But opposition MP Mária Kolíková (SaS) disagrees, arguing that this approach would only add to the state’s burden.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tibor Gašpar (Smer) says the state should focus on helping people meet their basic needs.
“We need to consider whether it would be better to find another alternative for them — a way to earn a living without having to steal,” Gašpar said.
Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč (Smer), says the average damage from petty theft in Slovakia is around 50 euros. He argues that the raised threshold for criminal offenses to 700 euros does not affect theft rates.
Opposition MP Tamara Stohlová (PS), however, criticized the decriminalization of repeat offenses — noting that a person could steal items worth 600 euros multiple times without committing a crime.
The spike in minor offenses has prompted growing concern from local governments, leading to Monday’s meeting with the Attorney General.
Source: Rádiožurnál, Slovak Radio
