Gas thefts in Wirral pubs “an epidemic” and putting the public in danger

Jul 21 2012 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

THEFT of gas and electricity in pubs and clubs is an "epidemic" across Wirral according to police and is putting the public in danger.

The warning comes as three more pubs were hauled before councillors at Wallasey town hall to face having their licences revoked after being caught stealing tens of thousands of pounds worth of gas.

The Punch Bowl in Hoylake just escaped having its licence taken away by Wirral Council's licensing sub-committee after its owners took over the premises.

It followed a police raid which revealed an estimated £35,000 worth of gas had been illegally taken.

And the same day police called for the licence of the Pacific Hotel on Price Street, Birkenhead to be revoked after a cannabis farm was also found in the upstairs flat as well as evidence of theft of gas worth more than £4,000 over nine months.

Sgt Pete Jenkins told councillors that criminal investigations were underway in both cases.

He said: "This presents a very real danger.