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November 14, 2024
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I think my meter may have been tampered with?

  • November 14, 2024
  • 127 replies
  • 3142 views

Hi I need help I'm been charged 300 / 400 for electric some months I'm single parent in 3 bedroom house and my heatings been off since it warmed up in Feb 2022 .I've nothing turned on hardly in my house just a freezer fridge that run all day I have no heating we sleep down stairs but I'm still getting outrageous bills .

A meter reader said whwn I posted a picture of my meter it's been tampered with but my energy company won't listen they said the locks still on it but theirs more wires than b and q 

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 21/05/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hey ​@Tazzyy74 

 

Is your energy supplier OVO? Have you sent your supplier a photo of the meters?

This is the information I found on our website with regards to meter tampering:
 

Energy theft – make sure you report it

 

Energy theft is tampering with a meter or its connections. This means the meter doesn’t accurately record how much gas or electricity is being used. Stealing energy is a crime and it’s dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by reporting your concerns.

View REC Schedule 8 – Unbilled Energy Code of Practice

 

Energy theft can be fatal

 

Tampering with an electricity meter could lead to a short circuit, wiring overheating or even a fire. Wiring that seems safe can become ‘live’, so there’s a chance of a fatal electric shock.

Tampering with a gas meter could cause a gas leak. As well as headaches and possible loss of consciousness from the fumes, it only takes a spark to cause an explosion.

 

Tampering with a meter is a crime

 

Tampering with gas or electricity meters isn’t just dangerous – it’s also illegal. Energy theft can lead to a fine or a prison sentence.

 

If you suspect energy theft, report it

 

If you suspect any gas or electricity meter has been tampered with report it immediately. Call us on 0330 3035 063 or get in touch via our online chat.

If you'd rather not give us your details, visit the Crimestoppers supported stayenergysafe website or call them on 0800 023 2777.

If you suspect a gas leak, leave the property and call the 24 hour National Gas Emergency hotline on 0800 111 999 immediately.

127 replies

Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
May 18, 2025

I've reported it but I'm scared of what will happen I've already had my window put through after confronting the neighbour no proof but he did say watch your house week later smash..... I can't go to the police because I think their involved .i need help 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
May 18, 2025

I see.

The Forum Moderators have been informed. They will talk to you ASAP.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
May 18, 2025

Thank you 

Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
May 19, 2025

@Tazzyy74 sorry to hear what you’re going through here, sounds very stressful.

 

The link to Stay Energy Safe that ​@Blastoise186 shared is the way to go here, and you can also report this anonymously via the Crimestoppers website.

 

There’s then the fact that you’ve been / felt threatened - I’d recommend reporting this to the Police as soon as you can. Once this is all reported you can let your supplier know if you believe the meter has been tampered with.

 

This is really all the advice we can give on the Forum really, as it sounds like a police matter for sure. I hope this gets resolved for you asap.

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Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
May 19, 2025

I can't report it to the police because I've been threatened by them or one of them relating to my neighbour and believe me since I've had nothing but pure harrassmwnt from them .

I've already reported this guy and nothing even reported the fact I witnessed with my daughter an TAU officer take a package from this guys letter box and nothing just grief ........ 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
May 19, 2025

If it helps, you can ask a friend to report via Crimestoppers on your behalf.

You can also use a payphone from a random location to call them. All UK payphones will let you dial 0800 numbers for free and you won’t need to insert coins/cards to do so - simply start dialling and the payphone will figure the rest out by itself.

That way, it leaves virtually no trace that can be linked back to you.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
May 19, 2025

I've an electrician round who said no amps well not enough to confirm my bills is been used , he checked the meter nothing couldn't explain it ........ 

Is their any other way someonw could connect , I do have a loft conversion and some bricks have gone from the parting wall which I found pretty strange , I could get into his loft if I needed too and vice versa  ???? 

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
May 19, 2025

It’s a little complicated to answer that I’m afraid, as I can’t be seen to be giving out anything that could make meter tampering easier. My apologies if my answer to this one seems vague - but I hope you can understand why.

In theory, there are ways someone could leech your supply both before, at and after the meter point. The former wouldn’t show on your bill, but the latter two would. In practice, it’s extremely dangerous and for obvious reasons, must never be attempted. All I can say is that this has been known to happen in cases where a property was being used for illegal activity, partially as a way to try and hide it.

The best advice I can think of is to get the police to help you. I know it’s hard - trust me - but it’s the best thing you can do. Once you get their attention, it’ll take a load off your shoulders.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
May 19, 2025

I've contacted them they won't listen my mother was killed Sept last Yr by family members they won't even entertain me on that , I'm on bail for asking for my mother's ashes as simple as that , I can't get anyone to listen to me I just get threats or ignored .

I'm actually contemplating leaving my house because I gear the police , and I think their involved .

Thank you for the advice but I really don't see away around this with out been set up of knowing what this neighbour was like hurt .

 

Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
May 19, 2025

Hey ​@Tazzyy74,

 

I don’t know if you remember but I was discussing the issue with you on your original thread below

 

The last advice we discussed was you were going to email the chief executive Greg did you ever get a response from them? Tomorrow i’m going to merge this thread with your old one so we can keep everything in the same place and in order so if you follow the link I left above you’ll find it all there. If you get the chance you can read about their complaints handling statement and how to escalate. 

 

I wouldn’t imagine that the police would be involved as you’d typically expect a whole department to deal with suspected grows and not individual units. You must have your own reasons for thinking like you do but you can report this to your local police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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