Subdivision 1. Liability for theft of property. A person who steals personal property from another is civilly liable to the owner of the property for its value when stolen plus punitive damages of either $50 or up to 100 percent of its value when stolen, whichever is greater. If the property is merchandise stolen from a retail store, its value is the retail price of the merchandise in the store when the theft occurred.
Subd. 2. Notice. In order to recover under subdivision 1 for the theft of a shopping cart, a store must have posted at the time of the theft a conspicuous notice describing the liability under subdivision 1.
Subd. 3. Liability of parent or guardian. Section 540.18 applies to this section, except that recovery is not limited to special damages.
Subd. 4. Criminal action. The filing of a criminal complaint, conviction, or guilty plea is not a prerequisite to liability under this section. Payment or nonpayment may not be used as evidence in a criminal action.
Subd. 5. Recovery of property. The recovery of stolen property by a person does not affect liability under this section, other than liability for the value of the property.
Subd. 6. Right to demand payment. A person may make a written demand for payment for the liability imposed by this section before beginning an action, including a copy of this section and a description of the liability contained in this section.
1988 c 481 s 1; 1989 c 224 s 2; 1989 c 262 s 4
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 604 - 605 — Civil Actions
Section 604.01 — Comparative Fault; Effect.
Section 604.02 — Apportionment Of Damages.
Section 604.03 — Useful Life Of Product.
Section 604.04 — Notice Of Possible Claim.
Section 604.055 — Waiver Of Liability For Negligent Conduct.
Section 604.06 — Fireman's Rule.
Section 604.10 — Economic Loss Arising From The Sale Of Goods.
Section 604.101 — Economic Loss Doctrine.
Section 604.11 — Medical Malpractice Cases.
Section 604.113 — Issuance Of Worthless Check.
Section 604.12 — Restrictions On Denying Access To Places Of Public Accommodation; Civil Actions.
Section 604.13 — Destruction Of Field Crop Products, Animals, Organisms, Or Cells; Civil Liability.
Section 604.14 — Civil Liability For Theft.
Section 604.15 — Civil Liability For Receiving Motor Fuel Without Paying.
Section 604.16 — Liability For Loss Suffered As A Result Of Peace Officer Pursuit; Penalties.
Section 604.17 — Civil Liability For Fraudulent Or Otherwise Improper Financing Statements.
Section 604.175 — Compliance With Debt Collection Requirements.
Section 604.18 — Insurance Standard Of Conduct.
Section 604.19 — Subversion Of Examination.
Section 604.201 — Cause Of Action For Sexual Exploitation.
Section 604.202 — Liability Of Employer.
Section 604.203 — Scope Of Discovery.
Section 604.204 — Admission Of Evidence.
Section 604.205 — Limitation Period.
Section 604.21 — Indemnity Agreements In Design Professional Services Contracts Void.