'Lives at risk' says charity after surge in energy theft across Peterborough
The city's recorded some of the highest number of cases in the county
Last updated 22nd Oct 2026
A charity is warning lives are being put at risk across Peterborough due to people trying to dodge high energy bills.
"People are looking for desperate measures to stay afloat," Annette Boyson, from Crimestoppers, said.
The city has recorded 293 confirmed energy theft cases over the last year, according to industry figures.
Crimestoppers says tampering with meters or tapping into energy supplies can increase the risk of gas leaks and explosions, putting lives at risk.
"It's criminals looking to make more money from crime, and we've even had reports of people stealing electricity to heat their hot tubs and their swimming pools," Annette said.
"It's not just the person who's stealing the energy that is at risk; it's everyone that lives in their home and it's communities around that particular property or meter."
Energy theft can involve illegally bypassing meters, tampering with equipment or connecting directly to electricity or gas supplies.
Meter tampering can lead to the likes of fires, gas leaks, explosions and electrocution – all putting lives at risk.
Figures from Stay Energy Safe, run by Crimestoppers, found 13,779 people in England, Scotland and Wales reported suspected energy theft in 2025/26, a rise of 79% over the last five years.
"They can look out for the pipes or the wires, for sparking, the smell of gas, or melted plastic around the meters," Annette added.