Record levels of electricity theft are plaguing England and Wales, with the blame falling on cannabis farms, cryptocurrency mines, and the ever-increasing cost of living, according to a
BBC analysis.
BBC's findings reveal a 75% surge in such thefts since 2012, surpassing 3,500 cases for the first time in 2021-22. Over the past decade, at least ten police force areas experienced a doubling of these incidents, which can have deadly consequences.
Electricity theft involves tampering with or bypassing energy meters to avoid paying for electricity. This illicit activity often leaves live wires exposed, involving the bypassing of fuse boxes, which increases the risk of appliances overheating, catching fire, and even resulting in fatalities.
One tragic incident occurred in September 2018 when seven-year-old Harvey Tyrrell lost his life after coming into contact with a lightbulb connected to an unearthed fuse box in a pub garden where the electrical meter had been tampered with. The pub owner, David Bearman, faced charges of manslaughter and stealing electricity and received a nine-year prison sentence.
The BBC's Shared Data Unit analyzed the prevalence of electricity theft from 2012-13 to 2022-23, drawing data from 42 police forces across England and Wales. Their investigation revealed that the past three years have witnessed the highest recorded levels, peaking at 3,599 thefts in 2021-22.
However, the statistics provide a mixed picture, with West Midlands Police observing a six-fold increase while Hertfordshire Constabulary experienced a 69% decrease in incidents.
The rise in electricity theft is attributed to various criminal activities, including cannabis cultivation and Bitcoin mining, as outlined by Charlie Pugsley, Assistant Commissioner at London Fire Brigade. These activities have escalated, increasing the likelihood of electrical fires and endangering the lives of those residing or working in properties where electricity theft occurs.
The pandemic saw a surge in cryptocurrency laundering, with criminal groups using powerful computers to mine digital currencies like Bitcoin. In May 2021, West Midlands Police discovered a Bitcoin mining operation utilizing bypassed electricity in a Sandwell industrial estate. This force witnessed the most substantial proportional increase in electricity thefts. The region also experienced a rise in cannabis farms during the same period.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is considered another contributing factor to the surge in electricity theft, as some individuals may resort to meter tampering in an attempt to save money amidst skyrocketing energy costs.
Although electricity theft carries significant legal penalties, including unlimited fines and sentences of up to five years, it remains a growing concern. It is closely associated with illegal drugs, particularly cannabis cultivation, and supports the activities of serious organized crime.
As electricity prices continue to rise, citizens face the challenge of mounting energy debts. Citizen's Advice predicts a 26% increase in people seeking assistance with energy debt by the end of 2023 compared to the previous year.
The theft of electricity can be reported anonymously to Stay Energy Safe, a program managed by the charity Crimestoppers. The National Police Chiefs' Council urges vigilance, particularly among businesses and commercial enterprises operating from large or isolated premises, to combat energy theft and its associated risks. Photo by Discott, Wikimedia commons.