Oklahoma law prohibits the deliberate act of hiding or disguising construction materials or equipment known to be stolen. This encompasses a range of actions, from physically storing stolen goods in a concealed location to creating false documentation to mask their origin. For example, if someone knowingly purchases stolen copper wiring and then melts it down to obscure its identification, they could be in violation of this statute. The specific statutes related to this offense cover various aspects, including penalties and definitions of “construction property.”
Legislation criminalizing the concealment of stolen construction property aims to protect the construction industry from significant financial losses due to theft. By deterring individuals from handling stolen goods, these laws help maintain the integrity of construction projects and contribute to a more stable business environment. Historically, the construction sector has been vulnerable to theft due to the nature of construction sites and the high value of materials and equipment. Specific statutes address these vulnerabilities, offering legal recourse and aiming to reduce the economic impact of such crimes.
