TEAMS of British Gas investigators raided 43 homes in a crackdown on meter fiddlers.

Four housing estates in Farnworth were targeted in the day-long operation and around 10 "unsafe" pre-pay gas meters were seized.

Sixteen people have been told to report to Farnworth Police Station in relation to the theft of gas and two others will be questioned in connection with the theft of electricity.

British Gas today said homeowners who tamper with meters are risking their lives and the safety of their neighbours. Suppliers estimate that gas seepage, which includes theft, costs more than £20 million a year.

Chris Bielby, head of Quality Standards at British Gas, said gas is safe when handled correctly but all repairs should be conducted by qualified engineers.

He said: "Whether it is getting a friend to help with alterations or meeting someone in the pub who says he can get you cheap gas, it is a risky situation."

And Noelle Walker, of the Heath and Safety Executive, warned tampered meters could easily "blow up in people's faces."

Police officers with warrants accompanied British Gas officials in the raids throughout yesterday. They had powers to force entry to properties if owners were unhelpful.

All meters seized were being tested today and the results will be passed on to police who will liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Farnworth homes were targeted using gas records and tip-offs from the public. Supplies were cut off to all houses where "tampered" meters were uncovered.

But in mitigating circumstances, where children or the elderly were involved, temporary meters were installed at houses where meters were seized.

The raids focused on pre-pay meters only where top-up cards are bought from stores. Pipes can be altered and internal mechanisms tampered with to provide 'free' gas.

Mr Walker added: "It is difficult to be sure of the extent of tampering incidents as the evidence is often destroyed. We would advise the public never to take this unnecessary risk. It is not worth the needless injury which could result."

Anyone with information about gas meter tampering should contact the British Gas hotline on 0800 587 2737.