Making use of Tweetdeck’s longer message format, the Met referenced the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and noted the 2-year maximum sentence for unauthorised access of computer material, and the 10-year possible sentence for unauthorised access and “impairing the operation of any computer” via something like a DDOS attack. They also made it clear that it is an offence to hack another computer from within the UK, or for those outside the UK to hack a UK computer.
The international aspect of these hacktivist activities was not lost on the Met either, as they closed the extended tweet by noting that other countries have similar laws in place. A word of warning, then, from the Police in a place where it will be seen by those currently breaking the law – even if it will likely have little effect.