Minister of the Interior Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Voice-SD) is ready for a debate on the method of punishing repeat offenders of petty theft. At Thursday’s press conference, he hinted at it, saying that they could come into consideration, for example community service for these persons.
- The Minister of the Interior supports the discussion on punishing repeat offenders of petty theft.
- Community service is an alternative to a prison sentence.
- Petty thefts have an average amount of damage of 64 euros.
- He proposes to supplement the Criminal Code to protect society from recidivists.
- Effective discussion is recommended by the leadership to the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice.
He pointed out that the average amount of damage in case of petty theft reaches approximately 64 euros, therefore, considerations about the potential reduction of the damage threshold within the wording of the Criminal Code do not solve anything. He repeated that Police statistics show a decrease in the total number of crimes and misdemeanors. However, he admitted that repeated petty thefts are proving to be a problem.
“Putting someone in prison for taking a burner three times, and we have to provide him with full service in prison, is probably not appropriate,” he emphasized. He sees the meaning of the discussion in alternative punishment, for example in the form of community service.
In this context, Šutaj Eštok expressed his support for the proposal of Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka to include in the Criminal Code added a provision aimed at effective protection of society against criminals who repeatedly commit petty theft.
“I think it would be nice if the Attorney General convened an expert discussion together with the Minister of Justice from his position. It is a law that is within the competence of the Minister of Justice. It is absolutely appropriate to conduct an expert debate,” said the minister.
