Gas meter tampering puts family lives at risk
GAS Networks Ireland has welcomed the verdict in a case relating to the unlawful interference with a gas meter in Bluebell.
Julia Greene, with an address at La Touche Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12, was convicted of the dishonest use of gas by Judge John Brennan at a sitting of Dublin Metropolitan District Court at the Four Courts on Monday.
Judge Brennan imposed a €3,000 fine and directed Ms Greene, who was not present in court, to pay costs of €1,000 plus VAT to Gas Networks Ireland.
Paul Cleary, giving evidence on behalf of Gas Networks Ireland, outlined how Gas Networks Ireland had carried out an investigation at the terraced property in Bluebell in May 2017 and found that the pre-payment meter had been unlawfully interfered with.
Mr Cleary outlined that, while the purpose of the interference was to avoid paying for gas, the consequences of the interference could have been far more serious.
By allowing an unauthorised person to interfere with the gas meter, Ms Greene put her family, neighbours, and the general public, in danger, including the potential of a gas explosion arising from the escape of gas.
Judge Brennan stated that the offence was very serious in nature and considered the fact that Ms Greene had not presented herself in court to be an aggravating factor in convicting her, and imposed the €3,000 fine and the contribution towards costs of €1,000 plus VAT.
Owen Wilson, Networks Safety Manager for Gas Networks Ireland said: “This verdict sends out an important message to the public that meter tampering is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences. Fraud is a very serious issue, but far more serious is the risk to life that meter tampering poses to the perpetrator and to people nearby. We are working to end unlawful interference with gas meters and the dangers associated with this activity.”
“Gas customers should only ever allow a registered gas installer to work on their gas boiler or gas meter. Rogue contractors can make seemingly attractive offers, but the dangers involved, in allowing someone who is not registered and qualified to do the work, are very real.”
Gas meter tampering is a criminal offence with possible fines of up to €5,000 and prison sentences of up to six months.
Gas Networks Ireland has detected over 2,000 cases of meter tampering across the country since 2013, with more than 1,500 of those cases detected in Dublin.
Members of the public are asked to report any suspicions of meter tampering to Gas Networks Ireland in strict confidence by calling 1850 200 694.
Further information is available at www.gas networks.ie/metertampering
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