The hidden dangers of stealing gas – it could cost lives

Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, powered by our charity, to raise awareness of the dangers of the ‘Theft of Gas’.

Stealing gas puts lives in danger

There was a 25% increase in confirmed ‘Theft of Gas’ cases last year

Stealing gas/electricity adds an extra £50 to energy bills*
 
Call the Stay Energy Safe service on 0800 023 2777 or fill in a simple online form at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk to report cases of energy theft. You will remain 100% anonymous.
 
A new hard-hitting video, which can be seen below, produced for the campaign, shows a father tampering with a gas meter and putting his whole family in danger. It has been shared on social media, with the aim of raising awareness and hopefully making the dangerous and illegal practise socially unacceptable.

 

 
The campaign will run throughout the winter, supported by the gas industry to help people understand the dangers of tampering with a gas meter, what to look for and how to report it anonymously if you suspect it.
 
What to look out for

A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.

“We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation - safety always comes first.
 
“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.
 
“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.
 
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities to really bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”
 
Dave Garner, Director of Safety at Cadent – the UK’s largest gas distribution network

Mark Loveday from RECCo, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the key rules for operating in the GB retail energy market and works with the energy industry to reduce energy theft said: “The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years.  Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 gas theft reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022. 

“These figures are concerning and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’.  Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”

In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of what to look out for when working in the community to help identify any theft and to keep the public safe.

Find out more about the campaign. 

*Figure derived from the Theft Estimation Methodology, Retail Energy Code Company, 2022.

16 October 2024