A new hard-hitting video and radio advertisement have been produced to help raise awareness of the dangers of stealing gas.
We've collaborated with Britain's other gas distribution networks (GDNs) and Stay Energy Safe (powered by Crimestoppers) to highlight the deadly impacts of gas theft and make the illegal practice socially unacceptable.
The video shows a father tampering with their gas meter and about to put his whole family in danger. It demonstrates stealing energy is never worth the risk.
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 energy theft.
It follows a 25% rise in confirmed cases of gas theft in the past year. Retail Energy Code Company - the organisation which manages theft figures for the industry - confirmed Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports of gas being stolen between April 2023 and March 2024. It said the figures are "concerning" and "gas meter tampering costs lives and it's not worth it".
We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation - safety always comes first.
We're concerned the recent 25% increase is partly due to the cost-of-living challenges everyone is facing. The fact is, it's dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or pipes.
We're pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities to bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody's minds.
Dave Garner
Director of Safety, Cadent
All GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of the issues to spot when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.
Stealing gas can lead to leaks, fires and explosions. Here's what to look out for and how you can report energy theft:
What to look out for
If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.
