Reports of energy theft have skyrocketed by 62 percent since 2021 as the cost of living crisis drives energy bills higher.

Data from Crimestoppers found that in 2023 alone there were 11,552 reports of energy theft, the highest number ever recorded.

Stay Energy Safe, a service powered by the charity Crimestoppers, has appealed to the public to step forward if they have concerns to help combat this dangerous and escalating crisis.

Energy theft involves tampering with your energy meter in an attempt to gain free electricity, a tempting prospect but the action is both illegal and very dangerous as it could result in death by electrocution or fire.

Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, added: “Tampering with your electricity meter risks death by electrocution or fire. It is also illegal, so you could end up in prison. Don’t risk your life or that of your family by stealing energy.”

As gas and electricity bills remain high, the temptation to save money and break the law is likely to rise regardless of the consequences.

This comes after the energy bills support scheme ended in March 2023 and the recent price cap increase in January 2024. Even though the price cap is set to decrease from April 2024, the standing charge will increase which means that people will pay more regardless of how much energy they use.

One London landlord that attempted to cut costs was jailed for nine months after it was revealed he had tampered with energy meters in his 22 rented properties and offered free energy to his tennants.

David Crawley from the charity Crimestoppers said: “For some, with the increasing cost of energy, there may be the temptation to bypass or tamper with their meter to cut costs. This can put loved ones, neighbours, colleagues, customers and those in the surrounding community in grave danger.

“Innocent victims could suffer the consequences, so we’re appealing to anyone tempted to cut costs through tampering with their energy meters, for the sake of saving money, to think twice.”