Meter tampering
Meter tampering means interfering with your gas or electricity supply to try to reduce or avoid paying for energy.
This includes:
- removing, damaging, or bypassing a meter,
- attaching wires or devices to change how it records usage, or
- reconnecting your supply after it’s been cut off.
Even small changes can make the meter unsafe and could cause life-threatening harm.
Why it matters
Tampering doesn’t just affect one home — it can endanger everyone nearby. It can lead to:
- fires and explosions,
- serious injury or death,
- loss of your home, and
- criminal prosecution or fines.
What will Golden Lane Housing do?
We regularly inspect our properties to make sure meters are safe and haven’t been tampered with.
If we suspect tampering, we’ll work with the energy supplier and, if needed, the police to make the home safe.
Our main concern is your safety — we’ll always make sure you’re supported and understand what’s happening.
If you’re worried or need help
If you think someone may have tampered with a meter — in your home or somewhere nearby — don’t touch it and don’t try to fix it yourself.
Instead:
- Stay safe and move away from the area.
- Call your energy supplier straight away.
- If you smell gas or think there’s a danger, call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 and then contact Golden Lane Housing.
You can also report suspected energy theft anonymously.