Section 417: Persons found armed, etc., with intent to commit felony

Any person who is found in any of the following circumstances‐
(a) being armed with any dangerous or offensive weapon or instrument, and being so
armed with intent to break or enter a dwelling‐house, and to commit a felony therein;
(b) being armed as aforesaid by night, and being so armed with intent to break or
enter any building whatever, and to commit a felony therein;
(c) having in his possession by night without lawful excuse, the proof of which lies on
him, any instrument of housebreaking;
(d) having in his possession by day, any such instrument with intent to commit a
felony;
(e) having his face masked or blackened or being otherwise disguised, with intent to
commit a felony;
(f) being in any building whatever by night with intent to commit a felony therein; or
(g) being in any building whatever by day with intent to commit a felony therein, and
having taken precautions to conceal his presence,
is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.
If the offender has been previously convicted of a felony relating to property, he is
liable to imprisonment for seven years.
Chapter 38. Obtaining property by false pretences: cheating