Birmingham worst in country for gas theft as offences rocket by a quarter

Criminals either fiddle the meter to make it seem less gas has been used or bypass it altogether

Gas thefts rocketed by a quarter last year - with Birmingham the worst place for the crime. Confirmed thefts throughout England, Scotland and Wales rose by more than 25 per cent in 2023/24 to 3,791 instances, up from 3,028 in 2022/23.

A total of 660 instances were confirmed in Birmingham since April 2023, far clear of the 372 in London, 269 in Liverpool, 245 in Bradford and 244 in Leeds in the same period. In the most common cases, gas theft involves either bypassing the gas meter - which leaves the gas supply unregulated and uncharged - or gas meter tampering, so an incorrect amount of gas is recorded.

But the UK's biggest gas distribution network, Cadent, warned both methods could leave gas meters at risk of leaks, fires or explosions. It said only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should be allowed to access a meter or gas pipe.

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The offence also carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to £2,000, and those who steal gas are made to pay back what they owe. Cadent said the crime added an extra £50 to annual bills.

The company said the theft of gas was not a new phenomenon but there were concerns over the steep rise.

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 free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergyssafe.co.uk. You can remain 100 per cent anonymous.