Energy theft is turning homes into timebombs

THOUSANDS of homes could be "ticking bombs" because of owners who steal gas and electricity.

- Paul Jeeves

Meter tampering in the face of sky-high energy bills is putting lives at risk, say industry experts - and in one case caused the death of a toddler.

Rogue electricians and criminal gangs are behind a huge rise in people paying them to bypass their meters, which can cause gas leaks and explosions.

Rewiring electricity meters can cause fatal shocks or start fires.