Companies alleged to have stolen power

THE owners of two businesses could face criminal charges after being accused of siphoning off thousands of euro worth of electricity, a practice branded both illegal and potentially lethal by the ESB.

An investigation has been launched by the electricity supply company after evidence of suspicious and highly dangerous wiring was discovered at two Dublin business premises.

Electricity understood to be worth in excess of €10,000 is alleged to have been stolen by the two companies and their owners face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of more than €25,000 if convicted of the offence.