Crime Wizard

Crime offence lookup

Search crime offences by title, legislation, group or CJS code. Core lookup remains free while saved favourites, folders and notes are prepared for premium accounts.

Theft / dishonesty

Abstracting Electricity

Section 13 Theft Act 1968
Either wayTH68058Detailed referenceRecordable PNCNon-custodial indicator

Offence wording

Abstracting electricity is committed where a person dishonestly uses electricity without due authority, or dishonestly causes electricity to be wasted or diverted.

CJS Index details

TH68058Abstract / use without authority electricityContrary to section13 of the Theft Act 1968.Category CE · PNC Y · Custodial Y

Crime recording

Check Home Office Counting Rules and force crime-recording policy. Record where the matter is a notifiable crime and subject to police action; consider civil-only utility-board resolution carefully before recording.

Powers & punishment

  • Mode/category from CJS index: Either way.
  • CJS custodial indicator: check approved system.
  • Maximum on indictment: 5 years’ imprisonment.

Points to prove

  • Dishonesty.
  • Use of electricity without due authority, or causing electricity to be wasted/diverted.
  • Electricity was used, wasted or diverted.
  • Identity/participation and lack of authority.

Charging / CPS route

  • Consider meter bypass, unauthorised reconnection, tampering, cannabis cultivation and utility-company evidence.
  • Prove dishonest use/diversion rather than simply non-payment.
  • Consider linked criminal damage, burglary, fraud, drug cultivation or fire-safety offences where supported.

More

  • Theft Act 1968 section 13 offence.
  • Maximum on indictment: 5 years’ imprisonment.
  • Sentencing Council theft guideline includes abstracting electricity.

Official sources

Saved favourites

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