§ 50-112. Theft of cable television service.

(a)

As used in this section, the term "cable television service" includes microwave television transmission from a multipoint distribution service not capable of reception by conventional television receivers without the use of special equipment.

(b)

A person commits the ordinance violation of theft of cable television service if he:

(1)

Knowingly obtains or attempts to obtain cable television service without paying all lawful compensation to the operator of such service, by means of artifice, trick, deception or device;

(2)

Knowingly assists another person in obtaining or attempting to obtain cable television service without paying all lawful compensation to the operator of such service;

(3)

Knowingly connects to, tampers with or otherwise interferes with any cables, wires or other devices used for the distribution of cable television if the effect of such action is to obtain cable television without paying all lawful compensation therefor; or

(4)

Knowingly sells, uses, manufactures rents or offers for sale, rental or use any device, plan or kit designed and intended to obtain cable television service in violation of this section.

(c)

Any cable television operator may bring an action to enjoin and restrain any violation of the provisions of this section or bring an action for conversion. In addition to any actual damages, an operator may be entitled to punitive damages and reasonable attorney fees in any case in which the court finds that the violation was committed wilfully and for purposes of commercial advantage. In the event of a defendant's verdict the defendant may be entitled to reasonable attorney fees.

(d)

The existence on the property and in the actual possession of the accused of any connection wire, or conductor, which is connected in such a manner as to permit the use of cable television service without the connection being reported for payment to and specifically authorized by the operator of the cable television service shall be sufficient to support an inference which the trial court may submit to the trier of fact, from which the trier of fact may conclude that the accused has committed the ordinance violation of theft of cable television service.

(e)

If a cable television company either:

(1)

Provides unsolicited cable television service; or

(2)

Fails to change or disconnect cable television service within ten days after receiving written notice to do so by the customer;

the customer may deem such service to be a gift without any obligation to the cable television company from ten days after such written notice is received until the service is changed or disconnected.

(f)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to render unlawful or prohibit an individual or other legal entity from owning or operating a videocassette recorder or devices commonly known as a satellite receiving dish for the purpose of receiving and utilizing satellite-relayed television signals for his own use.

(Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 26.80; Ord. No. 55448, 8-11-83)

State law reference

Similar provisions, RSMo 570.300.