Police Offences Act 1935

A person, being a suspected person or reputed thief, shall not – be in or upon any building whatsoever or in any enclosed yard, garden, or area for any unlawful purpose; or frequent or loiter in or near any public place, or any river, or navigable stream with intent to commit a crime or an offence.

In proving under this section intent to commit a crime or an offence it shall not be necessary to show that the person charged was guilty of any particular act tending to show his intent, and he may be convicted if from the circumstances of the case and from his known character as proved to the court before which he is charged it appears to such court that his intent was to commit a crime or an offence.

If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening subsection (1), the police officer may, using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary – detain and search that person; and seize any implement or instrument found on that person that the police officer considers could be used for an unlawful purpose or to commit a crime or an offence.

On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (1)(a) or (b), any implement or instrument seized under subsection (3)(b) is forfeited to the Crown.

A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.