Best 5 UK Services for Reporting Suspected Electricity Theft
Electricity theft is not just an economical concern. Any time an individual or business alters a meter or tamper with an electrical supply, it puts the safety of everyone in the area at risk. Uncovered wiring, improper connections, and overloaded circuits can all give rise to fire or electric shock, potentially on other property too.
It can matter a lot if you know who to go to if something doesn’t look quite right. Fortunately, many organisations in the UK have a reporting service in place along with some very useful advice and support for those worried about electricity theft. Here are five things to bear in mind.
1. Stay Energy Safe
Stay Energy Safe has an anonymous reporting service for members of the public to report suspected electricity theft without giving their details. The service is run by independent crime charity, Crimestoppers, on behalf of the energy industry. It enables members of the public to anonymously report their concerns about meter tampering and illegal connections.
Crimes can be reported over the internet or by calling 0800 023 2777 any time of the day or night. Reports will remain anonymous and callers do not have to identify themselves or be involved in future inquiries. Stay Energy Safe also provides advice on how to spot possible theft of electricity which can be caused by damaged meters and cases, strange wiring and burning odours to meters that seem to stop recording. The reports will be referred to the relevant electricity company for investigation.
2. Ofgem Meter Tampering Guidance
Ofgem, which is the energy regulator for Great Britain, offers expert advice on what to look out for and how to act if you think a meter has been tampered with. Ofgem’s site includes information on the various types of energy theft, why tampering with meters is dangerous, and what to do if something doesn’t seem right. If you are a homeowner or renter and find suspicious wiring or damage to the meter after moving in, Ofgem recommends you contact your energy company if you believe your meter has been tampered with so that they can visit the property to investigate.
3. Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows people to report crime anonymously. Despite covering a much broader scope of crimes than electricity theft, Crimestoppers offers another avenue for people to report crime that they may be worried about.
Our charity provides a freephone number on 0800 555 111 and takes intelligence by post on our website – all anonymously, regardless of whether it concerns theft, drugs or anything else you suspect is a crime. Crimestoppers is most useful when people are too scared to contact police.
4. Energy Networks Association
The Energy Networks Association is the industry body for the organisations that own and operate the UK’s electricity and gas networks. A particularly valuable resource for members of the public is an online tool that can be used to identify your electricity network operator – this may be particularly useful where reports are about damaged electricity infrastructure, exposed cables, or equipment outside a property and not at the meter.
These companies are responsible for keeping their network in good condition and fixing faults. Call 105 to contact your network operator if you spot a damaged electricity network item or a dangerous power line.
5. Energy supply information from Ofgem
In addition to the specific guidance about meter interference in your energy supply, Ofgem’s broader consumer energy supply information helps consumers know what they can expect from their electricity suppliers. The information includes problems with the meter, service complaints, billing issues and problems with energy supply services, and can be helpful if you suspect interference has raised questions about who is responsible for the damaged meter or excess charge.
While Ofgem does not have a general public hotline for reporting electricity theft, its guidance informs consumers about which organisation they should contact regarding their specific issue.
Taking Action is Important
DO NOT investigate suspected theft of electricity by handling cables, opening a meter box or trying to locate a person who might be responsible. – A lead on a suspected theft can be dangerous. Contact the correct body if you want to report a suspected theft.
