Stay Energy Safe and speak up to stop meter tampering

Nearly half of gas engineers and electricians have been asked by customers about tampering with meters to make them run slowly, according to Direct Line Business Insurance. The survey also found that nearly one in three gas engineers have seen the signs of tampering.

And energy theft has increased by nearly half (48%) since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, according to figures from Crimestoppers.

Meter tampering is extremely dangerous and can cause electric shocks, severe burns, electrocutions, house fires and gas explosions. If you suspect meter tampering you can report it using the Stay Energy Safe online form here or by calling 0800 023 2777. You will remain completely anonymous. You won’t be asked who you are, your number won’t be seen, and your IP address will be scrambled.

Common signs of gas meter tampering include:
• Meter fitted back to front
• Smell of gas
• Rubber tubing replacing pipes around the meter or replacing the meter entirely
• Gas working but no credit
• Meter dials or digits not moving.

You can see examples here.

When you report, please provide as much information as you can, including the address, type of property, name of the suspected tamperer, and indicate whether you suspect electricity or gas theft or both.

Reporting can take just a couple of minutes but the impact can be life saving, preventing innocent people from coming to harm.