People stole electricity on a record number of occasions across England and Wales last year, figures show.
Home Office figures show police forces in England and Wales received 3,600 reports of “dishonest use of electricity” in the year to March – up 13% on 2020-21, and the most since comparable records began in 2012-13. Around 1,100 of these occurred between January and March – almost double the number recorded over the same period in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Electricity can be stolen by tampering with a line or bypassing a meter, and is punishable by up to five years in prison. Stay Energy Safe, operated by Crimestoppers, warned tampering with a meter can lead to damage to property and potentially loss of life.
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It said the crime costs energy companies a minimum of £440 million each year – with these costs then passed on to customers. An Ofgem spokesperson said “under no circumstances should consumers attempt to connect electricity meters themselves.”
The National Energy Action (NEA) campaign group said the cost-of-living crisis is forcing people into “increasingly desperate situations” where they are looking to avoid energy use, with resorting to electricity theft a potential result of surging prices.
Peter Smith, NEA director of policy and advocacy, called the situation “horrifying” and pointed out it is happening now during the warmer and brighter months of the year when electricity would normally be needed less.
He added: “More support is desperately needed to close this gap and help the most vulnerable keep themselves warm and safe this winter.”
When former chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a cost-of-living support package in May, the NEA said the predicted average annual energy bill from October could hit £2,800 – but this figure is now expected to reach £3,358.
Across England and Wales, 57% of electricity theft cases closed last year had no suspect identified, while 30% were abandoned due to evidential difficulties. Just 7% of cases resulted in a charge or summons.
The Government said it is providing £37 billion to help households with the cost of living. A spokesman said: “We are committed to cracking down on crime, including the criminal theft of electricity, which causes serious injury to people and damage to property."
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