Abstracting Electricity Flashcards
How do we prosecute people for the offence of abstracting electricity?
Well as you know we can’t use the theft act to do this, so to get around it a new offence was created of abstracting electricity as it does not fall within the definition of ‘property’ (Section 13 of the Theft Act 1968).
Abstracting for the purpose of this offence means illegally taking and using something.
Abstracting Electricity (Section 13 of the Theft Act 1968)
A person commits an offence if he/she dishonestly…
A person commits an offence if he/she dishonestly…
Uses…
- Have to have an appliance connected to the electricity supply, and then use the electricity to make that appliance work.
Without due authority…
OR dishonestly causes to be wasted or diverted any electricity
- E.g a disgruntled employee turning all the lights and appliances on in the office when they have been fired so that they are left on all weekend.
What is the penalty for Abstracting Electricity (Section 13 of the Theft Act 1968)?
This offence is triable either way and the penalty is 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine if tried summarily and 5 years imprisonment on indictment .
