The latest figures from Crimestoppers show that reports of energy theft have increased by nearly half (48%) since the start of the cost-of-living crisis.
Energy meter tampering creates an unfair playing field in the retail sector. However, Crimestoppers is advising that any suspicions you might have can be reported anonymously through the Stay Energy Safe reporting service.
Energy theft - which includes bypassing gas or electricity meters - poses an unjust threat to law-abiding businesses. It creates an environment that aids criminal practices, transferring the costs of revenue losses to other energy consumers. Tampering with meters can result in explosions, fires, electric shocks, burns, gas leaks and even injury or death.
As an example, Crimestoppers points to an unnamed supermarket in Boston, Lincolnshire, where over £30,000 of electricity was stolen. Hidden behind an access panel, which was somewhat ironically concealed by a health and safety poster and boxes of alcohol stacked to the ceiling, the tampered meter was discovered during an inspection and was immediately disconnected as it was considered a “danger to life”.
Signs of energy theft often include irregular wiring, sparking, burn marks or gas smells.
If you suspect anything, you can report it while remaining anonymous here or by calling Stay Energy Safe on 0800 023 2777, which is also an anoymouse service.
No comments yet