Report No. 43
7.13. Different motives for destruction of property.-
Malicious or wanton destruction of property could be committed from different motives. The object may be to impair the defence effort of the nation, or to undermine its economic prosperity, or to harm the owner of the property, or some other object. Provisions in different Penal Codes of foreign countries emphasise one or more of these objects. Here we are primarily concerned with those provisions which deal with jeopardy to the security of the country.
In Canada, under the Heading 'offences against public order', there is a section1 punishing sabotage as a 'prohibited act'. The purpose must be one prejudicial to the safety, security or defence of Canada or to the safety or security of the armed forces of any other country lawfully present in Canada. The act may impair the efficiency of any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, machinery, apparatus "or other thing", or cause loss, damage etc., of property. The property need not be State property; this is emphasised by the words "by whomsoever it may be owned".
1. Section 52, Canadian Criminal Code.
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