Vehicle interference

What the law says

Section 9(1) — vehicle interference
A person commits vehicle interference if they interfere with a motor vehicle or trailer, or anything carried in or on a motor vehicle or trailer, intending that they or another person will commit an offence specified in Section 9(2).
Section 9(2) — intended offence
The intended offence must be:
(a) theft of the motor vehicle or trailer, or part of it;
(b) theft of anything carried in or on it; or
(c) taking a conveyance without authority under Section 12(1) of the Theft Act 1968.
If at least one is proved, it is immaterial that the prosecution cannot show which one was intended.
Section 1(1), Theft Act 1968 — theft
A person commits theft if they dishonestly appropriate property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it.
Section 12(1), Theft Act 1968 — taking without authority
Subject to Sections 12(5) and 12(6), a person commits the offence if, without the owner's consent or other lawful authority, they take a conveyance for their own or another's use or, knowing it was taken without authority, drive it or allow themselves to be carried in or on it.
Section 9(5) — meanings
Motor vehicle means a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads. Trailer means a vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle.
Section 9(3) — penalty
Summary only. The court maximum is three months' imprisonment, a level 4 fine (£2,500), or both.