Isolator before the meter

[FatAlan]

Think we are going off track here..but where is the abstraction of electricity? If an isolator is fitted before the meter it's still routed through the meter so usage is measured. The abstraction offence will only occur if equipment is connected before the meter. There may be a a few regulatory offences (as listed above) to do with unauthorised tampering with the DNO's kit or criminal damage. We only used to charge abstracting electricity with bypassed meters on cannabis grows. DNO's used to provide great graphs of electricity usage which were great at showing how long a set up had been running.

 

[littlespark]

Pulling the fuse counts as isolation, doesn't it?
Still not allowed if its not your property or authorised to do so.

 

[Midwest]

Installing consumer equipment before the meter males for smoking gun as that is often the first sign of shenanigans with meter bypassing etc.

Installing an isolator does not provide evidence for intent for any of those offences. Its unlikely that a dishonest person would consider the practicalities, when considering theft or abstraction. The first test for any theft, is dishonesty. For offences such as criminal damage, there must be an intention or recklessness to cause damage. Can't see installing something, has any intention to cause damage.