Safety concerns over gas thefts across the south coast

A gas provider has expressed concern about the number of people in the south who steal their gas.

Cadent Gas claims thefts have increased by 25 percent in the last year.

54 incidents have been reporter in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Poole.

It's thought to be down to people tampering with meters as the cost of energy has an impact on their finances, the company said.

Cadent Gas director of safety David Garner told Hits Radio: "Energy theft is adding about £50 onto each individual's bill, on a yearly basis, so it has wider cost impacts to society.

"Meter-tampering can lead to serious safety ramifications and dangerous situations, not only for the person that has tampered with the meter but for the family, their neighbours and the wider community.

"They can create a situation where gas leaks out of the meter, leaks out of the pipework.

"That gas can build up and lead to a gas explosion, which can have fatal consequences."

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