Crimestoppers Warns: Cutting Energy Bills Could Endanger More Lives This Winter

UK Winter May Turn Into a Hot Spot for Energy Misbehaviour

In a cold snap that’s brewing, data from the Stay Energy Safe service shows a whopping 68% hike in meter tampering and energy theft reports during last winter. The numbers hint that the next frosty season might witness more households turning their power meters into unapproved money‑lenders.

What’s Stay Energy Safe All About?

This service, run by the charity Crimestoppers, quietly nudges people to report any suspicious activity that might be stealing energy. It’s fully anonymous – you can alert the alert system without putting your name on the ticket. From August 2022 to August 2023 the service received roughly one thousand tips a month – that’s like a steady stream of energy crime alerts to the police.

Why People Are Tempted to Take These Risks So Far

High bills keep people cold. The energy bills support scheme ended in March, leaving thousands with the same bills but no safety net.
Breaking the law feels like a quick fix. In a pinch, the thought of saving a few pounds by n’ing the meter can seem easier than negotiating cheaper tariffs.
On‑hand scrolling habits. People click to complain and sometimes, less effectively, to cheer for criminals when they smell cheap energy.

Electricians and Artists on the Front Line

Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, warns that messing with your electricity meter risks death or imprisonment:

“Tampering with a meter could electrocute you, spark a fire, or send you down the boring hallway of prison. Don’t play energy hero with your life or your family’s.”

Gas meter hijacking is arguably a style of its own:

“Unlawful gas meter tampering is a recipe for leaks that could lead to deadly explosions.”

However, a recent study by Direct Line business insurance indicates some black‑hat attitudes remain:

43% of surveyed electricians and gas engineers were asked by customers to tamper.
92% of those professionals heard from customers who wanted to “slow down the meter” to save energy spends.

Energy Theft is No Joke

Beyond the legal and financial headaches, energy theft is a life‑threatening risk. All the sabotage nobody’s actually doing, but who might one day be a part of your life story.

So, if you hear a faint click from your meter and think “better lucky!” – pause. The short‑term savings might end up costing a much, much bigger price down the road.

Case studies

Free Power? Think Again!

How a London Landlord Tried to Cut Costs (and Ended Up in Prison)

A notorious London landlord was handed a 9‑month prison term and a hefty £90,000 fine after sneaking around 22 rented apartments to tamper with their energy meters.
He claimed he was giving his tenants “free electricity” – a sweet deal that turned mean when that free power caused danger for everyone within a few blocks.
The ripple effect: tampering not only costs landlords money, it literally puts people at risk.

The Tragic Tale of an 8‑Year‑Old Boy

In 2019, a heart‑breaking incident unfolded in an Essex pub garden. An 8‑year‑old boy tragically lost his life after receiving a fatal electric shock. The culprit? A landlord who had tampered with the electricity supply to slash costs. This storyline warns us all that trying to save on energy can lead to irreversible consequences.

Energy Theft: A Silent Hazard

According to the Retail Energy Code Company, around 250,000 cases of energy theft go unreported every year. That’s a huge ticking time bomb for communities.
David Crawley from the charity Crimestoppers highlights: “The rising energy costs are pushing some folks to illegally tamper with meters. This not only jeopardises those individuals, but also friends, workers, and customers.”
“If you’re tempted to risk people’s lives just to save a few bucks, think twice,” Crawley urged.

Take Action Now: Spot and Stop Energy Theft

Curious about how to identify suspicious setups or protect your home? The Stay Energy Safe website offers deep insights into the dangers of energy theft and tips to spot it. Don’t let your savings be a smile on other people’s faces.