Open petition: Make non payment for services a criminal offence, equivalent to theft

Created by Justyna Jakubowska
Closes on 22 June 2026

Amend the Theft Act 1968 or introduce new legislation so that non payment for services is recognised as a criminal offence, equivalent to theft of goods. Ensure police have clear powers to investigate and act.

When someone avoids paying for a service, such as a beauty treatment or building work it is usually classed only as a civil matter. This leaves service providers unprotected when clients take a service, materials, and labour without paying. Service providers lose the cost of materials, their time, skill, and income, while repeat offenders face no consequences. This change would deter serial offenders, protect businesses, and show that the law values professional services equally with goods.

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