With an estimated 150,000 cases of energy theft investigated every year, the security charity, Crimestoppers has launched a new service which aims to inform the public of the consequences of energy theft and appeal for information.
Working alongside all 96 of the UK’s energy providers and distributors, the ‘Stay Energy Safe,’ initiative is set to host a ‘first of its kind’ anonymous service for the public to report energy crime; with tenants, businesses, landlords and the public all encouraged to come forward.
Chief executive at Crimestoppers, Mark Hallas, commented: “It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a ground-breaking agreement that we have forged with the energy industry to ensure that crimes such as meter tampering are clamped down on.”
He continued: “This isn’t just about supporting the industry, though, it’s about our duty to the communities we work with. Explosions and fires as a result of energy theft can be devastating, which is why we are running this service on behalf of the industry, to ensure our streets are safe.”
The government regulator for electricity and gas markets, Ofgem states that the reported cost of energy theft to the UK public is around £440 million per annum – equivalent to powering more than 400,000 homes.
Learn more about ‘Stay Energy Safe’ here
To report an energy-related crime by phone, call 0800 023 2777
