On Tuesday last the 2nd of July 2013, The Garda Divisional Crime Task Force attached to the South Central Division Dublin carried out a search in the Kilmainham area of Dublin.
This search was carried out as part of an investigation into a scam where the gas meter is by- passed. It involves the criminal damage to the gas meter and posses a significant safety risk.
A male in his 30’s was arrested and conveyed to Kilmainham Garda station where he was detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. This male was released on Wednesday 3rd July 2013 and a file is being prepared for the D.P.P. As part of this on-going investigation a further 10 houses were searched across the greater Dublin Area, from Balinteer to Swords. All of these houses were found to have had their gas supply tampered with and criminal damage had taken place to the gas meter.
Personnel form Bord Gáis accompanied Gardaí when carrying out these searches and in each case gas meters were seized as evidence and replacements ones fitted. We wish to thank Bord Gais for their cooperation and on going assistance in this investigation.
As part of this investigation Gardaí believe a further 200 premises may have had their gas supply tampered with in this way. This scam poses a significant safety concern. Unauthorised interference with the gas poses a significant safety to anyone in the premises and indeed the emergency services who may be called to the premises in the event of a fire, leak of gas.
John Memery, Service Delivery Manager at Bord Gáis Networks said: "Public safety is the main priority for us at Bord Gáis Networks. We have seen an increase in the prevalence of gas meter tampering throughout the country through an increase in detection of meter tampering and increasing numbers of tip-offs from members of the public. Tampering with a gas meter is not only illegal but also presents a serious public safety concern. I urge anyone who suspects that their gas meter has been tampered with to contact us on 1850 200 694 or on www.bordgaisnetworks.ie/metertampering
Garda Press Office.
Statement from Bord Gáis Networks
Friday 5th July 2013: Tampering with a gas meter is illegal and a serious public safety concern. By tampering with a meter, people are not just putting their own safety at risk, but the safety of their families, neighbours and the general public.
Under the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012 it is illegal to unlawfully interfere with a Bord Gáis Networks gas meter and it is also illegal to procure a third party to do so. Only Bord Gáis Networks representatives are authorised to work on natural gas meters.
John Memery, Service Delivery Manager at Bord Gáis Networks said: "Public safety is the main priority for us at Bord Gáis Networks. We have seen an increase in the prevalence of gas meter tampering throughout the country through an increase in detection of meter tampering and increasing numbers of tip-offs from members of the public. Tampering with a gas meter is not only illegal but also presents a serious public safety concern. I urge anyone who suspects that their gas meter has been tampered with to contact us on 1850 200 694 or on www.bordgaisnetworks.ie/metertampering.”
Bord Gáis Networks, and the gas suppliers, are very aware of the immense financial difficulties that gas customers are experiencing at present, but tampering with a meter is not the solution. The consequences could be costly or even fatal. There are several methods of identifying suspected cases including analysis of meter data to identify patterns of gas usage versus credit purchased.
Members of the public can confidentially report any suspected cases of meter tampering to Bord Gáis Networks on 1850 200 694 or on www.bordgaisnetworks.ie/metertampering. If your own meter has been tampered with, please contact Bord Gáis Networks to arrange for the meter to be replaced.
