Criminal Attempts Act 1981

PART IISuspected Persons etc.

8Abolition of offence of loitering etc. with intent

The provisions of section 4 of the [1824 c. 83.] Vagrancy Act 1824 which apply to suspected persons and reputed thieves frequenting or loitering about the places described in that section with the intent there specified shall cease to have effect.

9Interference with vehicles

(1)A person is guilty of the offence of vehicle interference if he interferes with a motor vehicle or trailer or with anything carried in or on a motor vehicle or trailer with the intention that an offence specified in subsection (2) below shall be committed by himself or some other person.

(2)The offences mentioned in subsection (1) above are—

(a)theft of the motor vehicle or trailer or part of it;

(b)theft of anything carried in or on the motor vehicle or trailer; and

(c)an offence under section 12(1) of the [1968 c. 60.] Theft Act 1968 (taking and driving away without consent);

and, if it is shown that a person accused of an offence under this section intended that one of those offences should be committed, it is immaterial that it cannot be shown which it was.

(3)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding £500 or to both.

(4)A constable may arrest without warrant anyone who is or whom he with reasonable cause suspects to be guilty of an offence under this section.

(5)In this section " motor vehicle " and " trailer " have the meanings assigned to them by section 190(1) of the [1972 c. 20.] Road Traffic Act 1972.