For more than ten years, the “Happy House” Chinese takeaway in Leeds was using gas it wasn’t paying for.
It wasn’t a billing error. It was deliberate gas meter tampering - a type of gas theft in business that creates serious safety concerns, especially in high-risk environments like commercial kitchens.
When the theft was finally uncovered, what followed was a criminal investigation, a prosecution, and a warning to others about the dangers of bypassing meters.
Case Details: What Happened Inside The Happy House Takeaway?
During a routine inspection, a gas engineer noticed signs of tampering with the meter and put an anti-tamper seal in place. When usage figures suddenly rose by 33% shortly afterwards, it was obvious that something was wrong, and investigators returned for a second visit.
They discovered that the takeaway’s owner, Ming Wong, had been manually reversing the gas meter every week over a period of 10 years. Over time, this allowed him to avoid paying for more than £15,000 worth of gas, making it a particularly serious case of takeaway gas theft, with significant risk to life.
This long-running scam in a small business escalated into a major legal and safety issue.
Image credit and source: Yorkshire Evening Post – “Takeaway owner tampered with gas meter and stole £15,000 of fuel”
Legal Implications: A Fraud with Real-World Risks
Although Ming Wong had no previous convictions, the court found the offence serious enough to warrant a sentence. He admitted to tampering with the meter and received a nine-month suspended prison sentence, alongside 240 hours of unpaid community work.
He was also ordered to pay over £16,000 in compensation to cover the cost of the stolen gas and investigative expenses.
The case was prosecuted not only as a financial offence, but as a risk to public safety. In a busy working kitchen, where open flames are in constant use, illegal gas meter tampering could have had far more dangerous consequences.
Safety Risks: Why Gas Theft is Never Harmless
Tampering with a gas meter is never just theft.
When you mess with a meter, this increases the risk of leaks that can lead to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even deadly explosions. In enclosed spaces like kitchens, a simple action like switching on a light or striking a match can trigger disaster. In a business like a takeaway, leaks can harm anyone nearby including staff, customers, neighbours, or passers-by, and exposure to gas can cause dizziness, breathing problems, and even long-term health issues.
The result could be as bad as a serious and life-threatening explosion. That’s why gas theft penalties go beyond fines. They reflect the potential for real harm.
Learn how meter tampering can lead to explosions
Prevention and Reporting: What to Do if Something Doesn’t Feel Right
You don’t have to be an expert to know when something’s off. If a gas meter looks damaged, smells of gas, runs backwards or never seems to tick over - say something.
You can report your energy theft concerns anonymously by calling 0800 023 2777, or fill in our simple, secure online form.
Need help spotting signs of gas meter fraud? Visit Gavin the Gas Meter for simple guidance.