Which legislation defines the offence of making off without payment?

• A. The Theft Act 1978, section 3
• B. Public Order Act 1986, section 4
• C. Police Act 1996, section 89(2)
• D. Criminal Damage Act 1971, section 1

Answer: (A)

The situation tests knowledge of when someone can be charged with making off without payment. This offence is defined by the Theft Act 1978, section 3. It applies when a person is supplied with goods or services and payment is required on the spot, and that person then departs without paying, without a reasonable excuse, with the intention to avoid payment. In other words, leaving the premises after receiving something of value and intending not to settle the bill constitutes the offence.

The other statutes cover different areas—public order, policing, or criminal damage—and do not involve leaving a place without paying for goods or services, so they don’t define this particular offence.