[Monotoko]

I'm in the UK and I have, a few times, picked up a can of coke because I was thirsty and opened it while in the store, gone and grabbed more items and then scanned everything (including the coke I drank a bit of) through. It isn't illegal.

[linker3000]

I wouldn't state that as fact - see other threads about the Theft Act.

[Monotoko]

British law is all about intent, if I intend to deprive the store of that can of coke then it is indeed theft. However, if I drink a little bit before paying it doesn't. The store have to prove I intended to deprive them of it (which I wouldn't do)

[linker3000]

As I posted elsewhere:

"Well, to be pedantic:

S.2(2) Theft Act 1968 states that a person may be dishonest notwithstanding a willingness to pay.

You could also fall foul of "Doing an act inconsistent with the rights of the owner"

"

So the store doesn't absolutely have to prove intent.