In Cheyenne and other Wyoming cities, property crime is a serious problem. According to a news release from the Cheyenne Police Department, as of December 8, 2021, police officers had responded to 394 stolen car reports, up 104 percent from the previous year. The agency recently started a “Lock It or Lose It” campaign to encourage residents to keep their belongings, automobiles, and residences locked up.

Getting your property crime charges reduced or dismissed can be challenging, but hiring a personal injury lawyer Wyoming can help.

How do police communicate to help prevent property crimes?

By releasing daily social media messages at 9 p.m., the Cheyenne Police Department stressed the importance of safeguarding valuables. Throughout the state, neighborhood safety campaigns were conducted using social media. 

Crimes Associated with Property in Wyoming

A property crime involves stealing or destroying property belonging to the victim. Among those offenses are:

• Larceny: Taking goods of value without consent to permanently rob the rightful owner of them.
• Burglary: Invading a building without authorization and committing a crime.
• Robbery: Stealing money or property from another by force or threat of force.
• Shoplifting: Taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for it.
• Vandalism: Destroying, degrading, or defacing someone else’s property without permission.
• Arson: The deliberate burning of a building, structure, or forest.
• Motor vehicle theft: Hauling a car, truck, motorcycle, or another motor vehicle.

Property Crime Penalties in Wyoming

Property violations in Wyoming carry severe criminal penalties. For instance, felony theft of goods worth $1,000 or more carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both. 

Licensing property worth less than $1,000 can result in six months in prison, a fine of up to $750, or both. Stealing a horse, mule, sheep, cow, buffalo, or pig is a felony resulting in a 10-year prison sentence, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Defending Against Property Crime Charges 

Based on the details of the case, your criminal defense lawyer may be able to offer legal defenses. The following are some of the most common property crime defenses:

• Mistake: If you took anything by accident, there was no illegal intent.

• Coercion: If you were compelled to steal or damage someone else’s property under threat of injury, harm, or death. You may be able to use this as a defense against property crime accusations.

• Necessity: Destruction of property may have been necessary for an emergency circumstance to escape danger or fire.