What to do?
Meter cheating means tampering with the meter so it doesn’t record how much electricity or gas is being used or trying to bypass the meter completely.
Damaging the gas supply is dangerous
Interfering with something as explosive and inflammable as gas is a big risk. As gas builds up in a room, it displaces the air causing headaches – and even loss of consciousness.
Leaking gas is also highly flammable and can be easily ignited. Flicking a light switch is all it takes to cause an explosion risking terrible injuries.
This is not a victimless crime.
Meddling with electricity endangers everyone
Electricity is dangerous. Whether at home or in a business, messing with meters is always dangerous. Meddling with the wiring could make switches or appliances ‘live’ to the touch or make them overheat or malfunction.
It risks shocks and burns to anyone using them, and can start fires that endanger everyone in the building.
This is not a victimless crime.
What to spot
Gas meter cheating can take many forms, even smart meters can be unsafe if tampered with. Sometimes it can be hard to tell but here are some clues to look out for around your meter.
Back to front
The meter has been turned around the wrong way so you can’t see the normal dials
Smell of gas
A smell of gas near the meter box
Rubber piping
Where pipes should be there are bits of rubber tubing instead
Dial has disappeared
There is no visible dial or counter on the meter any more
Working but no credit
Meter shows credit has run out but gas is still available
Meter dials not moving
Dials on the meter aren’t going around even when gas is being used
Meter cheating can take many forms, even smart meters can be unsafe if tampered with. Some of these are shown below, so look out for them.
Damaged casing
The casing to the meter may be smashed, broken or removed completely and the cables disconnected
Extra wires
Wires sticking out or wrapped around and connector clips attaching them to the meter
Melted meter
Parts of the plastic casing melted or scorch and burn marks on the meter
Working but no credit
Meter shows credit has run out but electricity is still available
Meter dials not moving
Dials on the meter aren’t going around even when electricity is being used
Burning smell
A smell of something burning or even smoke or sparks near the meter box
Know the risks
Meter cheating means tampering with the meter, so it doesn’t record how much gas or electricity is being used or trying to bypass the meter completely. This is theft and can lead to a fine or prison sentence.
It is also dangerous and risks serious injuries to innocent people and major damage to property. It’s too dangerous to ignore. Report it to us anonymously.
Businesses who try to reduce costs by bypassing meters are putting their staff and customers’ lives at risk. Electrical equipment can burn or shock employees, smoking wires can start fires and gas leaks can cause massive explosions. If it’s a busy shop or food outlet or if it adjoins other premises then even more lives are in danger.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – report it to us anonymously.
Attempting to save your family money by tampering the meter puts their lives at risk. They may receive shocks and burns from electrical appliances and leaking gas can make them pass out or worse, explode like a bomb destroying the home. Most homes are close to other houses or flats too, meaning that neighbours and even passers-by are also in danger.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – report it to us anonymously.
Report anonymously
Meter cheating means tampering with the meter so it doesn’t record how much electricity or gas is being used or trying to bypass the meter completely.