Is Moving A Bench Criminal Damage?

Question

The other day me and a friend were in the local skatepark and decided to move a metal bench, the bench was not bolted down and there was no signs nor had we been told that we were not allowed to move the bench. We moved the bench onto a top of a ramp at least a metre away from the edge so no one could get harmed. The community support officers came down and told us that this was classed as criminal damage despite the fact we had not damaged anything. Me and my friend couldn't believe it considering the ramp is 4ft hingh and 2 metres away from where the bench was. So tell me is this actually considered criminal damage?

P.s I'm new to this so dont know if i've done it right

Answer 1

Its neither criminal damage, nor disorderly conduct. Its just stupid and thoughtless.  

Answer 2

Sounds more like Criminal Mischief to me. Basically you were told something because the bench belongs to the skate park and you moved it. I think they would be hard pressed to really make the charges stick since there was no notice stating that you could not move the bench. Is there something in the law that says you cannot move this park's property?

Answer 3

it isn't damage, but is disorderly conduct