Crimestoppers Warn: Cutting Energy Bills this Winter Could Endanger Lives

Winter is Coming… And So Is Meter Tampering!

Who knew that the colder the weather, the hotter the energy theft heat? According to the Stay Energy Safe service, the UK saw a 68 % jump in meter‑tampering tips last winter. That’s a lot of people waving a “save‑money” flag, unfortunately in a way that could endanger everyone.

How Stay Energy Safe Works (And Why You Should Care)

Crimestoppers runs this free, anonymous hotline – no name, no fuss.
It’s a safety net for communities, flagging suspicious energy theft before a disaster strikes.
From August 2022 to August 2023, we averaged about a thousand tip‑ins a month. That’s the tip‑off “buzz” that fuels investigations.

What’s Happening With The Bills

The new energy‑bill support scheme wrapped up in March, and with gas and electric costs high, the temptation to “borrow” a bit more is soaring. It’s a classic case of “chew on a cheaper dollar and risk the whole family” – and that’s a gamble no house should take.

Why Meter Tampering Is a Bad Idea (No, It’s Not Just About Legal Trouble)

Lesley Rudd, the chief executive at Electrical Safety First, throws in a stern reminder:

“Tampering with your electricity meter risks death by electrocution or fire. It’s illegal, and you could end up in prison.”

Gas equals another danger: a mishandled meter can lead to gas leaks and, in worst cases, catastrophic explosions.

The Irony: Helping Engineers Also Helping the Problem

A recent Direct Line study is a sad funny twist: 43 % of electricians and gas engineers have been asked by customers to tamper with meters. Even more eye‑opening, 92 % of those professionals say rising costs have pushed more people to slow down their meters to save cash.

So, folks, if you think the winter storm might slip by with your meter stealthy, remember: the safest savings are legal, safe, and—most of all—plainly calm.

Bottom Line: Keep Your Meter, Not Your Family

When the cold outside is hard to beat, the temptation to go rogue might be tempting. But the long‑term damage — health, safety, and legal trouble — beats any short‑term savings. Keep those meters honest, keep your home safe, and enjoy your winter without the extra drama.

Case studies

When a Landlord Pushes the Wrong Button

Picture this: a London landlord, owning 22 rental homes, thought he’d score a free electricity bonus for his tenants. Instead, he played a deadly game that haunted two families, with one taking the terrifying stakes too seriously.

Case 1: Tenants & Neighbours Paid the Price

He tampered with energy meters across all his properties.
He promised “free electricity” to renters, but the trick left households at high risk of electrocution.
Result? A 9‑month prison sentence and a £90,000 fine.

Case 2: A Tragic Shock in an Essex Pub Garden

In 2019, an 8‑year‑old boy died after an electric shock at a local pub garden.
Investigations revealed the same landlord had tampered with the supply.
He was convicted of the crime and handed a harsh 9‑year sentence.

What the “Stay Energy Safe” Portal Says

The front‑line resource, Stay Energy Safe, keeps you in the know about how electric theft can rock communities. It highlights that 250,000 unreported theft incidents happen every year—a ticking time bomb that’s out of sight but very much alive.

David Crawley’s Warning

“The rising cost of energy is driving some folks to break the law, tampering their meters to thin the bills,” says David Crawley from the charity Crimestoppers. He adds, “This leaves loved ones, workers and customers in grave danger. Please think twice before you trade safety for savings.”