§ 17-64. Tampering.
(a)
A person commits the offense of tampering if he:
(1)
Tampers with the property of another for the purpose of causing substantial inconvenience to that person or another; or
(2)
Unlawfully rides in or upon another's automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or other motor-propelled vehicle; or
(3)
Tampers with, or causes to be tampered with, any meter or other property of an electric, gas, steam or water utility, the effect of which tampering is either:
a.
To prevent the proper measuring of electric, gas, steam or water service; or
b.
To permit the diversion of any electric, gas, steam or water service.
(b)
In any prosecution under subsection (3), proof that a meter or any other property of a utility has been tampered with, and the person accused received the use or direct benefit of the electric, gas, steam or water service, with one or more of the effects described in subsection (3), shall be sufficient to support an inference which the municipal court may submit to the trier of fact, from which the trier of fact may conclude that there has been a violation of this section by the person who uses or receives the direct benefit of the electric, gas, steam or water service.
(Code 1975, § 300.060)