Did you know that private use of outlets in public facilities can be a theft offense?

A man in his 60s was found guilty of charging an electric motorcycle in a public toilet.

It is a public toilet in the central district of Daejeon.

It says not to use the outlet privately.

There are even signs posted because of people secretly charging electric motorcycles.

[An official from the Daejeon Central District Office: They said that there was a case of charging an electric motorcycle (in a public toilet), but it was reported to the police station, so it was put up as a warning....]

In August last year, Mr. A, in his 8s, charged his electric motorcycle in a public toilet in the eastern district of Daejeon, and the court determined that this act was a crime of theft and sentenced him to a fine of 60,20 won.

"Electricity is also a tradable object, and using an outlet installed in a public toilet for charging purposes that is not suitable for its original purpose may constitute theft as it violates social norms."

He added, "It is a bad crime to arbitrarily use electricity managed by the municipality."

According to the Criminal Code, this "manageable power" is considered wealth.

Electricity is invisible, but it's treated as wealth.

So, technically, charging your personal phone at an outlet in a public facility may also be illegal.

However, charging this phone usually doesn't have a problem because it uses very little electricity.

[Shinhana/Lawyer: In the case of electricity, although it is intangible, it is a type of object, so if it is used recklessly, it can be a crime of theft. In particular, if you charge an electric vehicle or electric prime mover without permission, you can be guilty of theft because the damage is great. In principle, it can be considered theft because there are many cases where charging a mobile phone is tolerated, but to some extent, it is a social acceptance or something like that....]

In other words, electric kickboards and bicycles, which have exploded in users these days, are a different story.

Charging in an apartment or company underground parking lot is also a source of controversy and disputes.

Especially as electricity prices are rising steeply, I think we will hear about this kind of controversy more often.