Tick Tock: energy theft is a ticking time bomb

Crimestoppers has been working with the energy sector since 2016 to raise awareness of the dangers of tampering with electricity and gas meters.

Our new campaign, “Tick Tock”, uses film, radio and posters to bring the risks of energy theft to life.

We understand that times have been tough in recent months, and the wholesale price of energy has gone up, meaning that for many people, bills are becoming more and more of a concern.

We released this campaign to make people aware of the dangers of tampering with meters in order to save money, and to highlight the alternatives available to reduce your bills safely and legally.

We have three main objectives:

1. To deter people from meddling with meters – this is not just illegal, but highly dangerous;
2. To share ideas that can help you save money on bills without putting yourself, your family, your business or your community at risk;
3. To give anyone that is concerned the opportunity to report any suspicions of energy theft/meter tampering anonymously at stayenergysafe.co.uk or by phone on 0800 023 2777.

Energy theft is not a victimless crime

Over £400m of energy is stolen each year across the UK, adding £20 to £30 per year to the paying customer’s bill. The real cost, however, is the danger energy theft poses to those living or working near to a tampered meter of energy supply.

You can report your suspicions of energy theft, 24/7, 365 days a year to the Stay Energy Safe hotline at 0800 023 2777, or via the Stay Energy Safe website, filling out the online form. Both options enable you to remain 100% anonymous. Always. 

Stay Energy Safe is an anonymous and independent service operated by the charity Crimestoppers.

Find out more about the risks of gas and electricity theft on stayenergysafe.co.uk, or share your concerns about potential energy theft here.

7 January 2022