§ 18-75. Tampering with utility apparatus; diversion of services.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person intentionally and without authority to destroy, damage or tamper with any meter pipe, conduit, wire, line, post, lamp or other apparatus owned by the city or by any company engaged in the manufacture or sale of electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable television or other public service.

(b)

It shall be unlawful for any person intentionally and without authority to prevent a meter from properly registering the quantity of such service supplied, or in any way to interfere with the proper action of the city, or of a company engaged in the manufacture or sale of electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable television or other public service, or intentionally to divert any of the services of the city or such company, or otherwise intentionally and without authority to use or cause to be used, without the consent of the city or such company, any service manufactured, sold or distributed by the city or such company.

(c)

No person shall knowingly receive the benefit of acts or diversion of or tampering with electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable television or other public service without the proper charge.

(d)

Proof that any of the acts hereinbefore specified in this section was done on premises in possession of an accused, or that the accused received the benefit of any such act, shall be prima facie evidence that the accused committed such act or aided and abetted in the commission thereof.

(Ord. No. 05-1362, § 1, 12-12-05)

State law reference

Damaging, injuring, or interfering with property of public utility companies or municipalities, O.C.G.A. § 16-7-25.