21. Making off without payment

This chapter considers the offence of making off without payment. Under s 3 of the Theft Act 1978, a person is guilty of an offence if he dishonestly makes off without making payment as required or expected and with the intent to avoid payment of the amount due. The offence aims to deal in a simple and straightforward way with a person who having consumed a meal in a restaurant, or filled the tank of the car with petrol, or reached their destination in a taxi, leaves without paying. Although factually simple, difficulties arise in prosecuting such cases as theft. The chapter covers various elements including goods supplied or service done, unenforceable debts and dishonesty.