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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Gabrielle
A. Prutisto |
State Rep. Thomas
Caltagirone |
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Caltagirone wants to close loophole in leased property theft law
HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Tom Caltagirone, D-Berks, is looking to close a loophole in state law that sometimes makes it difficult to prosecute people for theft of leased property.
Caltagirone’s bill would allow the courts to presume a lessee intended to steal rented property if the lessee fails to return the property within seven days of receiving a demand from the owner by first class mail.
Currently, intent can only be presumed if the borrower fails to respond to a demand to return property by registered or certified mail.
“That provision can cause problems because when a borrower fails or refuses to pick up the certified letter, intent can be difficult to prove and impossible to presume,” Caltagirone said. “That makes it more difficult to prosecute someone for theft in these cases.
“My bill would allow a property owner to fulfill his obligation under the law simply by sending a first-class letter to the borrower demanding his property back. Once that letter is sent to the borrower, failure to respond would allow the owner and police to take action, make prosecution easier and help the owner get his property back sooner.”
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