ISRA: Cockeyed Legislation Would Result in the Arrest and Prosecution of Robbery VictimsSPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):
The ISRA is encouraging members of the Illinois General Assembly to strike down a proposal that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of robbery victims.
Under SB 219, victims of burglary or others who had firearms stolen would have 72 hours to report such thefts to the Illinois State Police. Failing to do so would result in the victim being arrested and tried.
"There is no practical purpose for this legislation other than to harass the state's gun owners," commented ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson. "Forcing gun owners to report gun thefts under the threat of prosecution will not aid in the apprehension of the robber or result in quicker recovery of the stolen property. Likewise, forced reporting will not prevent the thief from fencing the stolen guns nor will it prevent criminals from using those stolen guns to aid in the commission of additional crimes. Furthermore, most legally owned firearms are covered under homeowners' insurance policies. Claims against those policies must be supported by police reports that list stolen property. Forced reporting accomplishes nothing more than adding another layer of bureaucracy to an already painful process. Victims of crime deserve better than that."
"Like all good Illinois citizens, law-abiding gun owners are all for taking a bite out of crime," continued Pearson. "However, adding insult to injury by threatening burglary victims with prosecution isn't responsible government in our minds. This bill is yet another example of needless, punitive legislation that has become the hallmark of a certain contingent within the General Assembly."
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=45825.
