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Thursday 26 March 2015

Meter Tampering And Energy Theft Can Lead To Explosions, Fires & Sometimes Death [Video]


Tampering with gas or electricity meters can lead to explosions, fires and sometimes death. Those who tamper with meters may save money but in doing so are putting others in real danger. In one year alone a single energy provider reported two deaths and 36 injuries as a result of gas theft. This is not a victimless crime.


What is meter tampering?

When someone alters their electricity or gas supply without the authority of their supplier, they are meter tampering. This tamper prevents the device from recording the correct energy usage and therefore the meter is undercharged.

What are the signs of meter tampering?

Meter tampering occurs in many forms and the list/imagery below details some of the signs to look out for

Signs of gas meter tampering


Gas Meter Backtofront 300Px
Back to front meter.
Gas Meter Rubbertubing 300Px
Rubber tubing used where pipes would normally be.

No visible dial.

Credit has run out but gas is still available.

Signs of electricity meter tampering


No casing or damaged meter casing.

Extra wires attached in or around the meter with simply constructed metal connectors.

Melted meter casing or burn marks on the casing.

Credit has run out but electricity is still available.

Via - Crimestoppers
Have you seen a tampered meter? Report a tampered meter to us completely anonymously.

Why are we focusing on this?

Meter tampering is a crime which can lead to a fine and a prison sentence of up to 5 years. Most importantly it can cause harm to innocent people. Even if you have not tampered with your own supply you could be affected by a landlord, employer or neighbour who has tampered with theirs.

What are the dangers of meter tampering?

A domestic electricity meter contains 240 volts and a commercial meter could contain up to 460 volts. If tampered with, this voltage could be left exposed and could cause shockssevere burns or electricity fires.
Gas explosions can occur when as little as 5-15 per cent of gas gets mixed with air in a room and therefore people tampering with these meters could cause catastrophic explosions. Such explosions have been known to destroy multiple properties in a street and therefore cause harm to innocent homes and people.
One incident saw four people, including two children, injured in a suspected gas explosion in Sheffield that also left one home destroyed and adjoining properties badly damaged. While the cause of the fire could not be confirmed, it was found that five of twenty homes of the same street were stealing gas, and two of them were stealing electricity. Had this not been discovered, the results could have been devastating for more homes and families.
Energy theft and meter tampering also occur outside the home with businesses looking to cut costs by breaking the law. In September 2013, five restaurants along Manchester's 'curry mile' were raided, and four of them were found to have tampered meters, with another having its gas supply altered. Officials at the time said that "lives had been put at risk."

What can I do about energy theft and meter tampering?

By liking and sharing the campaign, you are helping show others the dangers and consequences of this crime. If you suspect someone to be meter tampering report it to us completely anonymously.

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