Meter tampering means altering a meter to prevent it from fully recording how much electricity or gas is being used, or bypassing the meter completely to energy usage being recorded at all. It may seem like a great idea, but there are consequences. It’s dangerous and it is a criminal offence. Its classified as theft and can lead to prison sentences and heavy fines.

The number of people illegally bypassing the grid to save money is increasing at an alarming rate. Its disturbingly simple to do but the consequences can be tragic. In May 2021, two-year-old George Hinds was killed when a gas explosion caused by tampering destroyed his home in Heysham, Lancs. The explosion was triggered by a neighbour cutting through pipes with an angle grinder. He was jailed last year for 15 years for manslaughter.

Crimestoppers UK say reports of gas and electricity theft have been rising sharply. In 2017 2,566 cases were reported and last year that figure rose to 10,694- though the industry believes the true figure may be closer to 200,000. Energy theft is not a new phenomenon but the cost of living crisis seems to be the main reason for this sharp increase.

Presenter Dan Whitworth meets gas engineers at the frontline and talks to industry insiders and to Ofgem, the energy regulator to find out what they are doing about it.

Producer: Mohini Patel