Ollie'sPolice Handbook
All disposals
Criminal Damage· CDA 1971

Section 1(1) — Simple criminal damage

Without lawful excuse, destroy or damage any property belonging to another, intending to do so or being reckless as to whether it is destroyed/damaged.

legislation.gov.uk Open Act page

Penalty reference

Mode of trial
Either-way
Maximum penalty
10 years on indictment. ≤£5,000 value: summary only — 3 months / level 4 fine.
FPN / PND
£90 PND if low-value graffiti / minor damage (force policy)
Out-of-court eligibility
✓ CR
✓ Caution
✓ Cond. Caution

Note: Restorative outcome with victim consent often best for low-value, first-time.

Triage the circumstances

Quick answers — the engine applies the College/CPS hard rules.

Need a refresher on the terms? See the Glossary.