Charity warns against dangers of energy theft as more than 2,400 cases uncovered in Scotland

A charity has warned of the dangers of illegally tampering with meters after figures revealed more than 2,400 cases of energy theft have been recorded in Scotland in the past year.

Crimestoppers says industry data confirmed electricity and gas theft has increased by 23% across Britain over the last five years, rising to 21,354 in 2025/26.

Theft for domestic purposes accounted for the 82% of confirmed cases. The remaining 18% were by businesses.

Glasgow was identified as one of Britain’s top five hotspots, alongside London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.

A total of 855 cases were confirmed in the city, with 239 being reported in Motherwell, 230 in Paisley, 204 in Edinburgh and 196 in Kirkcaldy.

Crimestoppers has warned that tampering with meters can endanger lives, with fires, gas leaks, explosions and electrocution possible.

In response to the figures, the charity’s Stay Energy Safe service has launched Unknown Dangers – a campaign aiming to highlight the risks and criminality of energy theft.

The campaign provides the public with an anonymous method of reporting suspected energy theft by calling 0800 023 2777, or filling in an online form.

Stay Energy Safe will pass reports on to electricity and gas distribution companies to investigate.