Gardai are issuing a public safety appeal over a gas supply scam in the Dublin area. It is estimated around 200 properties in the capital have had their meters by-passed.

On Tuesday the Garda Divisional Crime Task Force attached to the South Central Division Dublin carried out a search in the Kilmainham area of Dublin as part of the investigation into the scam.

One man has already been arrested and questioned in connection with the incidents. He was arrested on Tuesday and held under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act but was released the next day.

But gardai say as part of the on-going investigation a further 10 houses were searched across the greater Dublin Area, from Balinteer to Swords.

All of them were found to have had their gas supply tampered with and criminal damage was done to the gas meter.

Bord Gáis appeal

Bord Gáis are assisting the guards in the operation. Gardaí believe a further 200 premises may have had their gas supply tampered with in this way.

Gardai say the scam poses a significant safety risk.

John Memery, Service Delivery Manager at Bord Gáis Networks said "Public safety is the main priority for us at Bord Gáis Networks. We have seen an increase in the prevalence of gas meter tampering throughout the country through an increase in detection of meter tampering and increasing numbers of tip-offs from members of the public".

"Tampering with a gas meter is not only illegal but also presents a serious public safety concern" he added.

They recommend anyone who suspects that their gas meter has been tampered with to contact 1850-200-694 or visit www.bordgaisnetworks.ie/metertampering

Superintendent David Taylor says meters that have been tampered with need to be urgently repaired.