1. (a) As used in this section, "vending machine" means a mechanical or an electronic device or a receptacle designed:

   1. (1) to receive a coin, bill, or token made for that purpose; and
   2. (2) to automatically dispense goods, wares, merchandise, or other property in return for the insertion or deposit of a coin, bill, or token.

2. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally:

   1. (1) damages a vending machine; or

   2. (2) removes goods, wares, merchandise, or other property from a vending machine without:

      1. (A) inserting or depositing a coin, bill, or token made for that purpose; or

      2. (B) the consent of the owner or operator of the vending machine;

         commits vending machine vandalism, a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the amount of the damage or the value of the goods, wares, merchandise, or other property removed from the vending machine is at least two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

As added by P.L.299-1995, SEC.1.