§ 86-14. Tampering with television lines, cables and equipment.

(a)

Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Cable television service means any and all services provided by or through the facilities of any cable television system or closed circuit coaxial cable communications system, or any microwave or similar transmission service used in connection with any cable television system or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system.

(b)

Prohibited acts. It shall be unlawful for any person without authority of the television company to intentionally in any way obstruct, injure, break, tamper with or destroy or in any manner interfere with or interrupt any cable television service, line or cable or the transmission of television signals in connection with such line or cable, or in any manner use and receive any television, radio, audio or video signal from any unauthorized connection with such line or cable, or to take or carry away, injure or destroy any of the posts, cables, wires, insulators, fixtures, equipment, installations or other things belonging to any cable television service or used in connection with the furnishing of cablevision services.

(c)

Prima facie evidence of intent to divert. The presence at any time on or about such wires, cables or cablevision equipment of any device or wire resulting in the diversion of television, radio, audio or video signals shall constitute prima facie evidence of knowledge and intent to divert on the part of the person having custody of the room or place where such signals are diverted and received, and shall constitute prima facie evidence of the intention on the part of such person to defraud and shall bring such person prima facie within the scope, meaning and penalties of this section.

(d)

Penalty for violation of section. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on such conviction, shall be punished in accordance with section 1-10.

(Code 1971, § 18-24)