A recent BBC investigation has highlighted the rise in energy theft, and drawn attention to the dangers of tampering with an electricity or gas meter.
Incidents of energy theft have risen sharply in the cost-of-living crisis. Figures from Stay Energy Safe show that reports of suspected energy theft have risen from 7,122 in 2021 to 13,795 in 2025.
As part of the BBC investigation, an electrician explained how he used to carry out illegal bypass work on meters for cash. However, an incident where he tampered with a meter within a shop, only for the premises to burn down weeks later, led him to refuse any further tampering requests because of the risks to people’s safety.
“All I’d say to people who want to rig the meter is don’t do it, you’re dicing with death”, the electrician said. “The risks of bypassing or tampering with the meter are severe: Electric shock, death, burning your house down. It’s as serious as that.”
The article also described the rise of crime gangs bypassing the grid to power cannabis farms, often setting up utility companies to dig up roads to reach mains suppliers.
In one incident, an offender was left with serious facial burns after a series of explosions whilst excavating a road.
An incident intelligence officer from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said “When money is scarce, people make the wrong decisions. They watch online tutorials and they think they can do the job themselves.”
“But our message is clear. There is no safe way to bypass a meter. And if you do, you’re putting yourself, your neighbours and firefighters at risk.”
If you would like to report a suspected case of energy theft in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, report it anonymously here
Read the full BBC article here