Motor vehicle tampering penalty

For offenders who repeatedly tamper with motor vehicles or commit related offenses, the penalty is worth the risk.

That was the message Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay shared Feb. 9 with the House Judiciary Policy and Finance Committee.

He spoke in support of HF1043, which would establish a gross misdemeanor penalty for those who have been previously convicted or adjudicated delinquent at least two other times for motor vehicle tampering, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary or theft tools or criminal damage to property.

Sponsored by Rep. Kerry Gauthier (DFL-Duluth), the committee approved the bill and sent it to the House floor. A companion, SF948, sponsored by Sen. John Harrington (DFL-St. Paul), awaits action by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Under current law, unless there is an aggravating factor — such as damage or theft over a certain amount — it’s only a misdemeanor to break into someone’s vehicle. Ramsay said that means the cops write a ticket for motor vehicle tampering and the offender is released.

“We have had individuals do auto burglaries up to 40 times and face the same misdemeanor consequence,” Ramsay said. “This is probably the most common property crime of residences throughout the state.”

“Merely pulling on the door handle is not enough to be tampering, so it really is taking an additional step to get into the vehicle,” said Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center).