Telford gas meter thieves putting lives at risk

Homes in Leegomery were targeted for the second time in almost as many months, leaving frail people without heating.

Police believe it is part of a scam to steal gas from properties where the supply has been disconnected.

With temperatures close to freezing, officers have warned the money-making scheme could prove fatal.

National Grid branded the theft dangerous "beyond belief" and warned of the risks of tampering with gas supplies.

The latest thefts follow a haul of 30 gas meters from outside homes in Chockley's Drive in November.

The area is home to many vulnerable elderly people who received emergency heating and cooking equipment.

This time, criminals hit the same street but only made away with two meters.

A further two meters were taken from nearby Hurleybrook Way, including one belonging to a 90-year-old man.

Two other attempts to take meters were unsuccessful but another was taken from Pepper Mill in Lawley Village, Telford.

Alyson Hamilton, 34, was first to discover what had happen overnight on Hurleybrook Way between Monday and Tuesday.

"I got up quite early and I thought it was strange the heating wasn't on," said the dental nurse who works in Newport.

"I got back from walking the dog and glanced over and noticed the box was wide open.

"I looked and there was nothing inside. I called the police and they asked me to look at the neighbours. Straightaway I saw they'd taken our 90-year-old neighbour George's meter and I could smell gas by his house.

"I woke him up because he was still in bed and the police were there within five minutes making sure it was safe.

"It's extremely worrying because a gas leak could be so dangerous. It's horrible really because although George is very fit for 90 it is still worrying for him."

Chris Ammonds of West Mercia Police said: "The targeted premises tend to be single storey bungalow type buildings where the gas metres are situated at the front of the dwelling in the white meter boxes."

Jane Taylor, at National Grid, said: "We had two incidents where some meters were taken and others were disconnected but weren't taken so perhaps they were disturbed while they were trying to take them. We have made them safe and all supplies are reconnected."

Police are urging anyone with information or sees anyone acting suspicious around properties to contact them on 101.