In Germany, a woman could face a large fine or up to five years in prison for “stealing” rainwater.
A 51-year-old resident of the town of Spachingen is reportedly being prosecuted for taking water from a barrel in her neighbor’s yard to fill her own containers, reports Pravilamag.
According to the police, the material damage is minor, but using someone else’s property without permission is considered theft. “Once fallen from the sky, water that lands in a barrel already belongs to its owner,” the police statement said.
According to the investigation, the incident happened around four o’clock in the afternoon. The woman, carrying a water container, crossed the street twice and entered her neighbor’s yard, taking about 40 liters of water in total. The second time, she was seen hiding behind a garbage bin to avoid being noticed by a passing car.
Welt writes that the damage was estimated at only 15 cents. However, under German law, regardless of the value, even stealing a trivial item can result in a large fine or up to five years in prison.
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