Severity of crime if someone attempts to use anti shoplifting counter measures to defeat security scanner?

• A. Misdemeanor
• B. Felony
• C. Infraction
• D. Summary offense

Answer: (B)

Attempting to defeat security to steal is an attempt to commit theft. In Florida, the punishment for an attempted crime mirrors the punishment for the crime that would have been committed, with the same degree classification. If the underlying theft would be a felony (which is common when the value of the goods or the method used shows serious intent), the attempt is charged as a felony as well. That’s why this conduct is treated as a felony rather than a minor infraction or a simple misdemeanor.