A rule known as “three times and enough” is set to be reintroduced into the Criminal Code for minor theft, making repeated petty offenses punishable as crimes. Under the proposal, offenders could face up to two years in prison if they commit a similar property-related misdemeanor three times within one year. This follows an amendment to the Criminal Code that members of Parliament advanced to a second reading on Wednesday. The amendment would also modify the Enforcement Code, allowing bailiffs to impose coercive measures to recover damages caused by a crime or misdemeanor. Parliament is debating the amendment in a fast-tracked legislative procedure.
“To ease social tension and address public demand from retailers, mayors, and city leaders for a tougher response to these offenders, the bill proposes amending Section 212 of the Criminal Code on theft, introducing criminal liability for a third consecutive similar property-related misdemeanor in the spirit of the slogan ‘three strikes and you’re out,’” reads the explanatory report accompanying the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Justice. To improve the enforceability of compensation for damages caused by crimes or misdemeanors, the Enforcement Code would allow coercive measures when recovering such claims.
The amendment is the government’s response to a rise in property offenses and increased aggression in society. According to the government, the higher rate of petty theft and the aggressiveness of offenders followed a misinformation campaign by the media and misleading statements from some political figures who “told the public that theft is unpunished and worthwhile.”
The government also claims it is reacting to public demand for a tougher approach to these offenses. “The spread of false information encouraged the public to commit these offenses, which was especially evident among repeat offenders who began committing petty theft more frequently, typically worth 50 to 70 euros. Combined with heightened social tension and greater public aggression, perpetrators of these misdemeanors also began behaving more aggressively, increasing public sensitivity to these acts,” the Ministry of Justice wrote in its justification.
The new legislation is expected to take effect on the day it is officially promulgated.
Source: TASR
