How would it feel to know that someone in your street could be putting you and your family in danger, right at this moment? It might even be someone you know and trust.
Energy theft is extremely dangerous - and all too often, the victims are not the ones carrying out the crime.
Every day, people across the country tamper with their electricity or gas supply. Sometimes that meter tampering is done with good intentions – for example, to help those struggling with their bills – but stolen energy puts innocent lives at risk.
With the cost-of-living crisis mounting, many households hit by high electricity and gas prices are becoming increasingly desperate.
Crimestoppers set up the Stay Energy Safe service in conjunction with the energy sector, to highlight the dangers this crime poses, provide individuals and communities with the knowledge to help them to spot incidents of meter tampering and energy theft and to empower people to play their part in energy theft prevention. Our job is to keep your community safe from the dangers of energy theft. Now, more people than ever before, are aware of those dangers and that committing energy theft can be fatal.
Report Energy Theft
Energy theft is dangerous. It puts you and your loved ones in danger. If someone you know is tampering with their gas or electricity meter, make sure you report it 100% anonymously here.
Understanding Energy Theft
Definition and Types of Energy Theft
Energy theft includes the illegal act of meter tampering or messing with cables, wires or pipes, so that that the meter doesn’t record proper electricity or gas usage, or any usage at all. This can also involve interfering with incoming energy supplies between the street and the meter, or bypassing the meter completely.
Energy theft can also be referred to as energy fraud, utility fraud, stealing energy or stealing power.
Anyone can commit energy theft. Landlords, tenants, homeowners, or anyone with access to gas or electricity meters.
The one thing these thieves often have in common is they don’t understand the consequences of energy theft, or they just don’t care. Stolen electricity and gas can cause loss of property, severe injuries, and even death.
Why Do People Commit Energy Theft?
There are many reasons why people take the decision to commit this crime:
• Necessity: people struggling to pay bills may resort to desperate measures, especially during winter months, and possibly even more so when caring for children or vulnerable adults. They may feel they have no other choice, but aren’t aware of the incredible danger they are putting themselves and others in.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling to pay bills, never resort to dangerous energy theft. Instead, contact your supplier, the Step Change debt advice service, or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Greed: people may engage in meter tampering simply out of greed, to avoid high energy bills for their business or home.
Some bypass their meters to heat large houses, hot tubs or swimming pools. Or perhaps to heat their rental property, or an annexe where grandparents live, or that functions as a home office.
• Crime: some people commit the crime of energy theft to enable other criminal activity such as running a cannabis farm.
• Rogue Traders: these people make energy theft their job. Maybe you’ve met one. They offer to ‘save you money’ by altering the way your meter records energy usage, in exchange for a fee.
They are an increasingly scary presence across the country, exploiting desperate individuals, who are feeling the financial strain, and often don’t know what they’re really saying ‘yes’ to, or providing those who just don’t want to pay their bills with a way to avoid doing so, whilst not disclosing the danger their actions pose. Those who accept their offer may not know that this ‘handy man’ is putting their family and others around them in grave danger by committing energy theft.
Beware of energy theft scams. Stay sharp and learn how to recognise and report them here.
Prevention and identification is protection. Stay safe. Tell us what you know about energy theft. It’s 100% anonymous. Always. Call free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in our online form.
Energy Theft Statistics
Energy theft is all around you. It could be happening right next door, or in the flat above or below you.
• Police forces across England and Wales received 3,600 reports of stolen electricity from March 2021 to March 2022 – up by 13% on the same period in 2020-21, and the highest volume since comparable records began in 2013 (Business Insider).
• As the UK is gripped by high energy prices, it’s no surprise that around 1,100 of these thefts occurred in winter, between January 2022 and March 2022 – almost double the number recorded over the same period in 2018-19 and 2019-20 (Mail Online).
• Energy theft offences in 2021 were also much higher during the spring and summer months - up by 19% compared to the period from April to June 2020, and by 21% for the period July to September 2020 (Wales Online).
• Crimestoppers’ figures show that 12,076 reports about energy theft were received in the 12 months to April 2023, substantially up compared to the 7,776 reports received in the 12 months to April 2022.
• Stolen energy adds around £50 per year to every paying customer’s bills (RECCo).
• It is estimated that 250,000 cases of energy theft go unreported every single year (Stay Energy Safe).
• There has been a whopping 400% increase in people tampering with their energy supply since 2017 (Energy Networks Association).
These figures are just some of the reasons why it is our mission to raise awareness of the terrible dangers energy theft poses, the warning signs you should look out for to spot energy theft, the consequences of committing this crime, and how to go about reporting energy theft 100% anonymously.
You can read about terrifying real-life cases of energy theft here.
The Financial Impact of Energy Theft
Energy theft costs energy companies up to £1.4 billion every year in stolen gas and electricity (RECCo).
This not only impacts energy suppliers; but stolen energy hits the bill paying consumers’ pockets too.
When someone cheats their meter, it means they aren’t paying for the energy they use.
It Adds to Your Bill
These costs are then passed onto innocent customers. Electricity theft and gas theft adds £50 to the average household's energy bills, negatively impacting honest people who work hard to always pay their bills.
Where Energy Theft Occurs
In Homes
A large percentage of energy theft occurs in people’s homes, from old houses to new builds. Sometimes developers of new-build properties make illegal connections onto the network to avoid connection charges. This results in energy being stolen as it is used without a supply contract.
Anyone with access to an energy meter can tamper with it. Whether you are a homeowner, a tenant, a landlord, or in student accommodation, you should ensure you know the warning signs and always remember the dangers energy theft poses.
In Local Businesses
Energy theft can also happen in businesses including cafes, restaurants, shops, takeaways and warehouses. Business owners who carry out energy theft are putting their employees and their customers in grave danger.
In Urban and Rural Areas
Cities are highly populated spaces, so they are known to be energy theft hotspots. Energy theft is not a crime committed just by those struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table. People from all walks of life are eager to save money however they think they can, and sometimes, this results in energy theft.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of dishonest people who want to cheat the system. They don’t stop to think about energy theft consequences and who might be hurt when they commit energy theft.
Wherever you live, keep in mind the dangers of energy theft to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Cannabis Farms
It takes a lot of energy to heat and light the space where the cannabis plants grow, and criminals (unsurprisingly) don’t want to pay high electricity bills, and don’t care about the dangers of energy theft.
Tell-tale signs of a cannabis farm are an unusual smell or warmth coming from a building.
Suspect energy theft is taking place? Tell us what you know, 100% anonymously.
Impacts of Energy Theft on Communities and Individuals
Energy Theft Costs Innocent Lives
Yes, there are financial costs associated with energy theft, and it can result in criminal convictions for the thieves. It also leaves honest consumers out of pocket. However, there is much more at stake as a result of meter tampering.
Energy theft is incredibly dangerous and costs lives.
No matter what the intentions of the thief are, energy theft puts the properties and all the people that live in and around the tampered meter in grave danger. It can destroy homes, businesses, and families alike. We have seen too many fatal cases, with vulnerable elderly people, parents and children being killed as a result.
You could fall victim to the dangers of stolen energy because of a stranger, or because of someone you know – perhaps even someone you think you can trust. It could be someone you say ‘hi’ to at the supermarket, see for dinner, or see every day. It could even be someone who looks after your kids while you’re at work.
One tragic case saw an employee electrocuted in the shower at work, after the business owner bypassed the electricity meter to reduce costs. Sadly, that innocent employee did not survive his injuries.
Dangers and Consequences of Energy Theft
There are a lot of ways to steal energy. Whatever the method, one thing never changes: the risks. The consequences of energy theft can be fatal, for both the criminal and the innocent people around them.
For example, a Nottinghamshire pub had its electricity meter bypassed in an attempt to save money. Not only was the pub and all its customers put at risk of a serious fire, but so was the tenant living above it.
Here is a video we created to show how serious the consequences of energy theft can be.
Electricity Theft - Increased Risk of Shocks, Severe Burns, and Other Hazards
Gas and electricity keep our homes, offices and whole world running. But out of the hands of trained professionals, they can bring our whole world crashing down.
Tampering with an electric meter can leave wires and connections loose or exposed. Illegal energy connections can easily overheat and catch alight. Stolen energy puts everyone in and around the building at risk, including neighbours and colleagues.
It can also cause multiple switches or appliances to become ‘live’ to the touch, which can in turn cause burns, shocks, fires in homes and businesses and, in extreme cases, explosions and death to anyone who touches them.
One harrowing case saw a man’s energy theft result in the electrocution and death of an eight-year-old boy in a pub garden in 2018. Another man in Scotland was found to have committed energy theft, bypassing an electric meter to save money. He was only caught after it caused an electrical spark, resulting in a fire that took his own mother's life.
Gas Theft - Lethal Gas Leaks, Fires and Explosions
Illegal gas connections can cause dangerous gas leaks. Leaking fumes inside your home can cause headaches and lead to loss of consciousness.
Leaking gas is also extremely flammable and can be easily ignited. If large amounts of gas escape as a result of illegal energy connections, it can build up in the air throughout the whole building and then all it takes is the flick of a light switch or lighter, or for someone to light the gas hob, or to pop the kettle on and the entire property could go off just like a bomb, taking neighbouring properties with it.
A mix of just 5% gas in the air is enough to cause a devastating explosion. Such explosions caused by stolen energy have destroyed entire premises and caused severe damage to neighbouring properties too.
Related Crimes
Other crimes associated with electricity theft and gas theft can happen anytime, anywhere. The most common one we see is related to the cultivation of cannabis. These cannabis farms are often situated in warehouses, but sometimes, in the spare bedroom of a regular home on a regular street.
Electricity theft and gas theft can also be associated with criminal activities including prostitution, modern slavery and even people trafficking and illegal subletting.
Protecting Vulnerable People
We have seen increasing evidence, in recent years, of criminals taking advantage of vulnerable people and committing energy theft in the process.
These criminals will force their way into vulnerable people’s homes (cuckooing), to conduct activities related to the cultivation and selling of illegal drugs. The criminals will tamper with the meter so that the inflated use of electricity used in their drug cultivation remains unnoticed.
The people using their home and the energy theft they are committing puts the vulnerable householder in serious danger – both legal and physical. Sometimes, they are so afraid to return home, that they resort to living on someone’s sofa or even on the streets.
Do you know someone who is affected by this? Perhaps they are rarely home? Or dislike being at home but won’t say why? Perhaps you notice unusual activity around their property? Reporting energy theft is the best way to keep those at risk safe from danger and the consequences of energy theft.
Speak up. Stay safe. Tell us what you know. 100% anonymous. Always.
Energy Theft Is a Serious Crime
Energy theft needs to be understood for what it is – a seriously dangerous crime, not just a sneaky way to avoid paying bills.
Research shows that there is a lack of public understanding of the possible consequences:
• One in four UK residents wouldn’t report an instance of energy meter tampering, despite 92% agreeing that the practice is ‘morally wrong’. That’s according to a 2018 report commissioned by Echo Managed Services/Grosvenor Services Group.
• It surveyed over 2,000 people and found that only 54% would report a suspected incident of energy theft ‘without question’, and 21% would only alert authorities if it took place in their local community.
• More than one in ten said they believe energy companies make enough money and that energy theft causes no real harm.
• Some felt it ‘wasn’t their business’ to report it, while others wouldn’t want to betray the friend or family member involved. Some were worried about potential consequences for themselves, and some simply didn’t know how to go about reporting energy theft.
Tell us what you know about energy theft. 100% anonymously, Always, Call 0800 023 2777 or fill in our online form.
Legal Consequences of Stealing Gas and Electricity
There is a lot of information about how to bypass your meter, but not as much about the hidden dangers of doing so.
As a result, lines have become blurred and people question, “Is energy theft really a crime?”
Yes! The legal consequences can ruin lives, too. Aside from the terrible physical dangers, energy theft puts you at risk of losing your business, your livelihood, your home, serving time in prison, and losing the trust of loved ones – it just isn’t worth it.
Can You Go to Prison for Stealing Energy?
Yes! Energy theft is still theft, and theft is always a crime. You can face hefty fines – starting at around £2,000. Fines can be more serious, depending on the severity of the energy theft and the impact to the community, and can be as high as £50,000.
You can also be convicted to serve up to five year in prison. This can be more depending on the severity of the theft and if other crimes are committed alongside energy theft.
Recent UK energy theft consequences include a manslaughter prison sentence for the pub landlord whose energy theft resulted in the death of a young boy. Another man in London was fined £50,000 for damaging the energy supply to more than 15,000 homes.
Another incident back in 2018 saw a man jailed for three years for meter tampering that put his neighbours’ lives at risk. His stolen energy caused two significant gas leaks. He risked blowing up an entire block of flats, and seriously harming his 20 neighbours – twice.
Debunking Common Energy Theft Misconceptions
Energy theft is a hidden and subtle crime. One that is easily misunderstood. So, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions around energy theft.
Many people believe it is a minor and victimless crime, or not even a crime at all. There is still confusion around the severity of energy theft, and how dangerous it can be. Often, that confusion is only cleared up once it’s too late.
Understanding the realities of the consequences of energy theft will prevent it from happening in the first place.
Misconception 1: Energy Theft Has No Consequences
Wrong! Not only is it illegal and risks penalties including fines and imprisonment for the thief, it also means higher bills for honest energy customers and poses huge safety risks.
Whatever the intentions, the consequences of energy theft include serious injury and even death. Not just for the people committing energy theft – but innocent people in your community, who might fall victim to fires or explosions caused by meter tampering.
Misconception 2: My Taxes Cover the Cost of Energy
Not true. You alone are responsible for paying for the amount of kilowatt hours (kWh) you consume, as well as the standing charge. Your taxes don’t cover these bills.
The price you pay to your energy company for gas and electricity is made up of six elements: wholesale costs, distribution costs, operational costs, government schemes, VAT and the energy company’s profit.
Please note: if your rent includes your bills, then you will be paying for your usage via your landlord.
Misconception 3: I Don't Have To Pay if I Turn Off the Energy
Also wrong! A standing charge is a fixed daily amount that every household needs to pay for.
Even if you switch your energy off, you still have to pay this standing charge. It covers the cost of supplying your energy (the pipes and electricity cables that run from the energy networks to your property) rather than how much you use. It also includes policy costs incurred by suppliers in support of government schemes. Standing charges apply regardless of how much energy you use, or whether you turn it off.
Misconception 4: I Can Remove or Install Different Meters in My House
Only a certified company or engineer can remove your meter, and only after getting the ‘okay’ from your energy supplier. If you try to remove it yourself, you’ll be committing the crime of meter tampering!
If you want to install a new meter, an accredited metering company will need to carry out the work with permission from your supplier. The new meters also need to be certified and meet legal requirements.
Be aware: once your own meter is installed, you will still need to pay your energy supplier for the gas or electricity that you use. If you have any concerns or questions about your meter or your energy bill, it’s best to contact your energy supplier directly. They will be able to help and offer solutions that won’t compromise the safety of you, your home, your loved ones, or your community.
Misconception 5: My Landlord Is Responsible if I Tamper with My Meter
It’s the tenant’s crime, not the landlord’s. The tenant will be the one held responsible for any damage caused, as a result of meter tampering, and they will be the one facing the legal penalties that follow.
That is, unless the landlord was aware of illegal actions undertaken by tenants. If this is the case, the landlord will also be held liable for failing to take action against known energy theft.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 states that landlords are responsible for providing electricity and gas installations in a safe way. Any meter tampering in the property by landlords will put them in breach of this act.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Speak up about energy theft. Call us anonymously on 0800 023 2777 or complete our online form.
How to Spot and Prevent Energy Theft
Due to the recent tough economic climate, there has been an increase in energy theft, and energy related scams that promise people lower bills through meter tampering or removing meters.
Wise up around energy theft detection. Do your bit to help prevent energy theft.
There are several signs that will help you to spot energy theft and keep yourself, loved ones and neighbours safe from the dangers of energy theft.
Have you noticed…
…People boasting about saving money on their bills?
…Neighbours acting suspiciously around their gas or electricity meter?
…Employers or tenants locking the meter cupboard and refusing access to meters?
…Sparks or electric shocks from metal surfaces, counters, doors, sockets, and light switches, in your, or a friend’s, home, a community building/hall, shop, takeaway, or pub?
…Numbers not visible, not moving, or running backwards on a meter?
…The smell of gas around the meter?
…Gas flames in the kitchen that are bigger than you’d expect?
Any one of these could be a sign of dangerous energy theft. Learn more about how to spot meter tampering here.
Have you spotted any of the signs of energy theft? If you have suspicions it is taking place, tell us what you know. Call free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in our online form. Stay 100% anonymous. Always. Speak up. Stay energy safe.
Protecting Yourself and Others From Energy Theft
Energy theft is all around you, and it can have fatal consequences. Any one of us may be at risk at any time. The only way to stay safe and protect those around you is to understand how everyone can play their part in energy theft detection, and by reporting energy theft – always.
Be proactive. Be vigilant. Be a part of energy theft prevention.
If you spot any of those signs in your own home, your neighbour’s property, or a local business, do the right thing, to protect yourself and the people around you. Report it via the Stay Energy Safe service. 100% anonymous. Always.
Why It's Important To Report Energy Theft
We can’t stop everyone from meter tampering and committing energy theft, but we can all do our part in energy theft prevention – we can all do everything in our power to prevent a criminal’s actions from hurting other people.
Don’t put lives at risk. Speak up. Stay safe, 100% anonymously.
Reporting energy theft is essential to protect yourself, your loved ones, neighbours, and community from the dangers of stolen energy. Once the risks are flagged, energy specialists will take whatever action is necessary to make the meter and installation safe again.
Who Is at Risk?
Everyone!
New cases are reported every day in cities, towns, and villages all across the country, from homes, offices, cafes, restaurants, factories, and farms. Energy theft could occur in a rural cottage just as easily as in a block of flats in a city.
Energy suppliers actively detect, investigate and prevent electricity theft and gas theft, but everyone needs to be on their guard. Especially now, with the cost-of-living crisis squeezing pockets and driving desperate people to drastic actions without realising how dangerous energy theft is.
Energy theft is all around you, and now you know what the red flags look like, and where to find them.
Have suspicions of energy theft? Tell us what you know, 100% anonymously by calling free on 0800 023 2777 or completing our online form. We won’t ask who you are, we’ll just pass on what you know so the meter can be checked and made safe if necessary.
How To Report Suspected Energy Theft
We need your help. Be a ‘stopper not just a spotter.’
At Stay Energy Safe, we are committed to energy theft prevention and helping everyone stay safe from the consequences of energy theft. If you suspect someone is tampering with a meter, see any suspicious activity, or identify the signs of energy theft, we need to know about it. Reporting your suspicions helps the relevant organisations to act quickly, and better prevent tragic consequences to lives and communities.
Report it to us, using our online form or by calling Stay Energy Safe free on 0800 023 2777. Both services ensure you stay 100% anonymous. Always. We won’t ask who you are, we’ll just pass on what you know.