578.445. Possession of tool to break into vending machine, with intent to steal--owner of vending machine may bring civil action for damages, when. - Missouri Statutes

Possession of tool to break into vending machine, with intent tosteal--owner of vending machine may bring civil action for damages,when.

578.445. 1. No person shall possess any key, tool, instrument,explosive, or similar device, or a drawing, print, mold of a key, tool,instrument, explosive, or device designed to open, break into, tamper with,or damage a coin-operated vending machine or any other machine or devicewhich is activated by the customer depositing some form of payment, withthe intent to commit a theft from such machine. Violation of thissubsection is a class A misdemeanor.

2. The owner of a coin-operated vending machine or any other machineor device which is activated by the customer depositing some form ofpayment may maintain a civil cause of action against any person who pleadsguilty or if found guilty of a violation of subsection 1 of this section.If such owner of a coin-operated vending machine or any other machine ordevice which is activated by the customer depositing some form of paymentprevails in such action, the court may award treble damages, reasonableattorney's fees, and costs.

(L. 1995 S.B. 446 §§ 1, 2)