§ 12-6. Acts to create illegal flow of gas.

It shall be unlawful to turn on valves, break seals on meter cocks or do any other act the purpose of which is to cause or attempt to cause a resumption of the flow of gas through or in pipes which have been stopped or shut off by the utility supplying the same. The existence of any bypass pipe or any other device on or about the pipes or equipment, installed or legally used by the utility in furnishing gas to a consumer, or evidence of damage to meters, valves, seals or other appurtenances preventing or interfering with the proper use of such equipment for registering or measuring gas consumed shall constitute prima facie evidence of knowledge of the existence thereof on the part of the person having custody or control of the premises where such devices are located. The effect of such devices on persons who unlawfully take or steal gas from the equipment installed by or used by the utility furnishing or making gas available to consumers shall bring such persons prima facie within the scope, meaning and penalties of this chapter.

(Code 1974, § 11-17)