Patrick Condon was evicted from his home in Gael Street on March 20 after his meter was removed by ScottishPower for energy theft.

Due to the seriousness of the risk his actions presented, the Sheriff agreed to the housing association terminating the tenancy.

River Clyde Homes has now warned other customers about the dangers of tampering with electricity meters and energy theft. Energy theft is a criminal offence, costs the energy industry over £400 million per year and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

Stevie McLachlan, head of customer services (West) at River Clyde Homes, issued a warning to any customer who is thinking of tampering with their meters, saying: “Over the past few years we have seen a significant increase in the number of ‘rigged’ meters. In some cases these have been discovered after a household fire. We want to warn our customers that we take a zero tolerance approach to this behaviour. We will take action against anyone caught tampering meters and this may lead to them losing their homes. We will also alert the relevant authorities and pursue prosecution.”

Tampering with a meter can cause a significant fire risk which can be potentially devastating to the home and those around it and, in some cases, can be life threatening. River Clyde Homes urge any customers who are aware of this activity to contact it anonymously on 0800 013 2196. It has also encouraged customers who may be struggling with energy bills to get in touch with their housing officer.