Publicans are being warned about the dangerous implications of energy theft which can put their businesses and customers at risk.
Crimestoppers, the charity which provides a safe space for people to report crimes anonymously through its Stay Safe Energy service, has highlighted energy theft as it is not only a serious crime but can also put peoples’ safety at risk.
Those found guilty of energy theft can be jailed for up to five years. Fines may be imposed, with these increasing significantly depending on the scale of the theft and the resulting damage or the risk to life and property posed by the theft.
Crimestoppers latest figures show that reports of energy theft have increased by nearly half (48%) since the start of the cost-of-living crisis. It said that motivations include businesses hoping to cut the price of energy bills or, for some companies, it is about not paying for what they have used in order to boost profits.
The charity said that energy theft, which includes bypassing gas or electricity meters, poses an “unjust threat” to law-abiding businesses. It creates an environment that transfers the costs of revenue losses to other energy consumers.
The organisation emphasised the case of a Nottinghamshire pub that was spared from catching fire. A painter working in the building noticed smoke around the meter. Energy safety engineers responded and made the supply safe, without which it could have led to a deadly explosion or fire.
Crimestoppers pointed out that one common sign is when the meter isn’t registering usage even whilst energy is being consumed, or where there is loose or unusual wiring or pipes. There can be a smell of gas or burning around the meter or even smoke or sparks.
Electricity theft can lead to shocks and severe burns as well as start fires, while gas theft can result in lethal leaks and catastrophic gas explosions.
Read more about the dangers of meter tampering and how to spot it here.
Stay Energy Safe is a service run by Crimestoppers. If anyone has any suspicions they can be reported anonymously through the Stay Energy Safe reporting service online or on call 0800 023 2777.
