A UK man was recently arrested on suspicion of "abstracting electricity," after charging his iPhone on a London Overground train.But did you know that abstracting electricity is actually an offence in Trinidad and Tobago? Section 11 of the Larceny Act, Chap. 11:12 provides that:
"Any person who maliciously or fraudulently abstracts, causes to be wasted or diverted, consumes or uses any electricity is liable to be punished as in the case of simple larceny." The penalty for simple larceny under the Act is imprisonment for five years.This offence may therefore be committed by someone who bypasses his electricity meter or reconnects a disconnected meter or who unlawfully obtains a free electricity supply. What is more subjective, however, is how wastage is interpreted or quantified.
While the offence itself may seem odd, abstracting electricity may pose a serious problem to homeowners and landlords.It has been reported in the media that criminal gangs are working in housing estates, offering desperate bill payers the option of rewiring meters at a cost.Other bill payers are sometimes tempted to have a go themselves, to hide their excessive energy use. And some may simply refuse to pay for an electricity supply, preferring instead to 'borrow' it from someone else.
Abstraction presents a huge safety risk to people and property as it can lead to electrocution, sparking, fire or even explosions.
�2 This column is not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should consult a legal adviser.
What can you do if you suspect that your electricity supply is being tampered with?
If you have evidence to suggest abstraction is happening, you first need to obtain access to the building or site to which you suspect your electricity supply is being rerouted. There is good chance access will not be voluntarily given and either an injunction or assistance of the police in obtaining a warrant may be necessary.
What if my tenant is abstracting electricity from me or someone else?
This is a very serious breach of tenancy, aside from being a criminal offence, and if you have evidence to suggest abstraction is happening, you may have grounds to seek eviction. If you need to pursue an eviction order, the witness evidence provided by an experienced electrician or officer of the T&T Electricity Commission would be helpful in illustrating the dangers of abstraction.
What about charging my phone in a public place?
Do not assume the existence of an electrical outlet gives you licence to use it. If you need to plug-in your laptop or phone charger at any place other than home or the workplace, it would be prudent to obtain permission from someone in authority.