Seven arrested as police probe electricity theft ‘in the range of tens of thousands of pounds over four years’

Seven people were arrested today – Tuesday – as part of an ongoing police investigation into the theft of electricity said to be worth “tens of thousands of pounds” over the years.

The arrests came after police executed search warrants at Crompton Lodge Caravan Park, a site for travelers in the Moses Gate area of ​​Farnworth in Bolton.

Three men between the ages of 19 and 30 and four women between the ages of 25 and 38 were detained on suspicion of stealing electricity. All seven currently remain in custody pending questioning.

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Greater Manchester Police said the police investigation involved “a case of illegal electricity taking, suspected to have cost the ratepayer a substantial amount of money in the tens of thousands of pounds over four years”.

As a result, police patrols in the area have been stepped up, the force said. No other details have been released yet, although two vehicles “suspected of being used in crimes” have been seized.

In a statement, GMP said: “This morning (21/05/2024) we executed seven search warrants at properties located in Crompton Lodge Caravan Park in Bolton as part of our investigation into a case of illegal electricity taking, suspected to have cost. taxpayers a substantial sum of money, in the tens of thousands of pounds over four years.

“Following the warrants, we made seven arrests. Three men aged between 19 and 30 and four women aged between 25 and 38 were all arrested on suspicion of electricity theft.

“During the on-site searches, two vehicles were also seized, being suspected of having been used in crimes.

“Energy theft and tampering with electricity meters and cables can be dangerous. Police and partnership resources have been deployed to the area to ensure the search is safe.”