An nation-wide analysis by BBC has revealed a startling rise in electricity thefts across England and Wales. Cannabis farms, cryptocurrency mines and the cost-of-living crisis are being blamed for this rise.
While the average rise has been pinned at 75% since 2012, the West Yorkshire region has seen a rise of 137.70% in the same period.
West Yorkshire is among the top 10 regions, seeing the highest rise of electricity thefts, ranking at the seventh highest.
While in 2012/13, the region saw 191 offences in an year, this increased to 454 in 2022/23.
Some reports also suggest the cost of living crisis has contributed to the recent spike. A survey of 150 electricians by insurance company Direct Line found more than a third had been asked by clients about illegally tampering with meters during the past year.
Stay Energy Safe and the National Police Chiefs’ Council have linked electricity theft with organised crime, particularly with cannabis farms. Various techniques can be used to steal electricity, but there have been recent reports of an increase in energy related scams promising to reduce costs by illegally tampering with or removing meters.
Ofgem, the government regulator for electricity and downstream natural gas markets in Great Britain, requires suppliers to take reasonable steps to identify theft and take action to prevent it.
The punishment for electricity theft is a fine and sentencing of up to five years, depending on the severity of the crime.
A spokesperson for Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) said: “Part of our role as regulator is to set really clear standards of conduct for suppliers that prioritise protecting consumers. Ofgem takes cases of electricity theft very seriously in the interest of consumer safety, and suppliers must take all reasonable steps to detect, investigate and prevent suspected theft.
“If households are struggling with bills, we would encourage them to contact their suppliers to ask for support. Ofgem has been working closely with industry to make sure they are proactively supporting their customers, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.”
A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesperson said: “The theft of electricity is a growing problem. It is a concerning crime as it can put people’s safety at risk, and support the activities of serious organised crime.
“We know that energy theft holds a significant connection with illegal drugs, and in particular cannabis cultivation, and that this can act as a gateway to other serious crimes that have a very real and negative impact on our communities.
“It is important for businesses and commercial enterprises, particularly those who operate out of large or isolated premises, to remain vigilant around energy theft and report any tampering of their electrical systems to their energy provider, and the police.”
