Which legislation defines the offence of making off without payment?

• A. Theft Act 1978, section 3
• B. Public Order Act 1986, section 5
• C. Criminal Damage Act 1971, section 1
• D. PACE 1984, section 24(2)

Answer: (A)

The offence of making off without payment is defined in the Theft Act 1978, section 3. It covers someone who is liable to pay for goods or services and, with the intention of avoiding payment, departs from the place where payment is required. In practical terms, if you’ve been supplied goods or services and there’s a demand for payment, leaving without paying with the aim of avoiding that payment fits this statute.

This isn’t about public order, damage to property, or police powers, which is why the other options don’t apply here. For example, the Public Order Act deals with threatening or abusive behavior, the Criminal Damage Act covers intentional damage to property, and PACE sections concern police procedures, not payment-related offenses.