Facts
Vandals broke into an empty cinema owned by the and started a fire that spread to neighbouring property.
Issue
Were the owners liable for damage caused by ?
Held
No. They did not know of the vandals and could not be expected to guard the building around the clock.
Principle
There is generally no duty to prevent third parties from causing harm; precautions need not be intolerably burdensome.
Why it matters
Authority on liability for third-party acts.
Cited in these chapters
Topics
Cite this page
Smith v Littlewoods Organisation Ltd [1987] AC 241 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/smith-v-littlewoods> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.