New Campaign to Support Vulnerable Consumers

New Campaign to Support Vulnerable Consumers

We have created a brand-new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the theft of gas.

Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, (powered by Crimestoppers) to create this important public safety and awareness campaign.

Background to the campaign

As experts in the energy sector, with eight years’ experience working with Stay Energy Safe, BH&P was appointed in 2023 to create this new campaign on behalf of the GDNs.

The campaign will run throughout the winter, across film, social media and radio, to help people understand the dangers of tampering with a gas meter, what to look for and how to report it anonymously if you suspect it.

Dave Garner, Director of Safety at Cadent – the UK’s largest gas distribution network explained:

“We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation - safety always comes first.

“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.

“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities to really bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”

 

What to look out for:

A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.

Who to call:

Call the Stay Energy Safe service free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergyssafe.co.uk. You can remain 100% anonymous.

Mark Loveday from RECCo, the organisation that manages theft figures for the energy industry said:

“The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years.  Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022.

“These figures are concerning and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’.  Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”

Links to video and campaign information: Gas Theft | Stay Energy Safe

In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of the issues to spot when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.

BH&P are impact thinkers, working closely with the energy sector to protect vulnerable consumers. We work with brands across a wide range of sectors to create lasting change - from professional services, to technology,  data, consumer goods and finance.  For more information, get in touch.