Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, (powered by Crimestoppers) to raise awareness of the dangers of the ‘Theft of Gas’.
A new hard-hitting video has been produced for the campaign, showing a father tampering with their gas meter and is about to put his whole family in danger. The video has been shared through social media channels with the aim to raise awareness and hopefully make the illegal practise socially unacceptable.
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 it.
Dave Garner, Director of Safety at Cadent – the UK’s largest gas distribution network explained: “We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation - safety always comes first.
“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.
“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities to really bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”
What to look out for:
A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.
Who to call:
Call the Stay Energy Safe service on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk. You will remain 100% anonymous.
Mark Loveday from RECCo, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the key rules for operating in the GB retail energy market, and works with the energy industry to reduce energy theft said: “The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years. Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022.
“These figures are concerning and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’. Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”
Links to video and campaign information: Gas Theft | Stay Energy Safe
In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They're reminding colleagues of what to look out for when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.
| Top Hotspot areas and number of confirmed ‘Theft of Gas’ cases | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Top hot spot area | Second highest hot spot area | Third highest hot spot area | Fourth highest hot spot area |
| Cadent | Birmingham 660 | London North 282 | Liverpool 269 | Sheffield 190 |
| SGN (Scotland) | Glasgow 94 | Edinburgh 16 | Aberdeen 3 | |
| SGN (South) | London South 90 | Southampton 25 | ||
| Wales & West Utilities | Cardiff 37 | Bristol 25 | Swansea 10 | |
| Northern Gas Networks | Bradford 245 | Leeds 244 | Middlesborough 195 | Newcastle 104 |
*Figure derived from the Theft Estimation Methodology, Retail Energy Code Company, 2022.
| Cadent | Covering: North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England, London - North of Thames |
| NGN | Covering: North East, Yorkshire (except South Yorkshire) |
| SGN | Covering: Scotland, South, South East, London - South of Thames |
| W&WU | Covering: Wales, South West |
RECCo continue to work in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers to offer the Stay Energy Safe service to the public. The service helps people understand how dangerous the act of energy theft can be, to help keep homes, families, businesses, and communities safe, and to provide a safe place to pass on information should they have concerns that energy theft is taking place, allowing them to speak up and stay safe.
Since we started operating in 2005, we’ve been leading the way as one of the most cost-efficient of the UK’s eight gas distribution networks. We deliver great value for money to our customers, as well as a whole host of social and economic benefits to our region.
We’re recognised as a dynamic, passionate, conscious and people focused team that safely and reliably delivers gas to over 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North East, northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire.
Although we don’t source the gas, fix boilers and appliances, or get involved with plumbing, we work with those that do to deliver it through a vast network of underground pipes that are constantly being invested in and upgraded.
It’s more complicated than it sounds so we’re always exploring cutting-edge thinking, revolutionary engineering practices and world-class science to find new ways to provide sustainable sources of energy.
And while our customers may not see us very often, they can sleep soundly knowing that we’re working around the clock to keep them connected and make sure they stay safe.
For more information visit northerngasnetworks.co.uk. Alternatively, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You can contact Northern Gas Networks’ press office on: 0113 322 7950 during office hours (between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays) or call the out of hours service on 0113 322 7978 at any other time.
SGN manages the network which distributes natural and green gas to approximately six million homes and businesses across Scotland and southern England. Our pipes deliver gas safely, reliably and efficiently to each of these customers.
We perform an essential 24/7 service to keep everyone in our communities safe and warm. If anyone smells gas indoors or outside, they should dial the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999* and an engineer will visit that location to carry out the required checks.
We’re committed to caring for our customers, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, working with specialist organisations on initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society and improving the lives of the people in our communities.
Alongside the UK and Scottish Governments and the other gas distribution networks, we’re developing the world’s first zero-carbon gas grid and shaping a net zero future for the UK.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999* straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.
Further enquiries to Wales & West Utilities Press Office on 0800 644 1000
Crimestoppers is an independent charity helping communities to ‘Speak up. Stay safe.’
Their website Crimestoppers-uk.org and 0800 555 111 telephone number gives people the power to speak up and pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. In over 36 years, the charity has always kept this promise.
Around 10 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.
Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over 2.2 million actionable calls and online contacts, resulting in more than 151,000 arrests and charges, over £139 million worth of stolen goods have been recovered and over £367 million worth of illegal drugs have been seized.
Crimestoppers launched the UK’s Most Wanted in 2005 which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on important information regarding their whereabouts. Since launch, there have been over 5,200 arrests to date.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
0776 733 7343
