If you suspect that your neighbors may be illegally stealing electricity, be sure to act cautiously to avoid infringing on the privacy of others or breaking the law. The following are some preliminary inspection methods that are legal and do not alarm neighbors： --- ### **1. Observe external meters and lines** -**Check the status of the electric meter**: Observe whether the neighbor's electric meter is still rotating quickly when no one is using the electrical appliances (you need to compare the normal electricity consumption period). -**Abnormal line**: Check if there are privately connected wires from the public area or your electric meter to the neighbor's house (common in old-fashioned residential areas). --- ### **2. Compare electricity consumption data** -**Check with the power supply company**: Electricity meter data in some areas can be queried online (such as smart meters). If the neighbor's electricity consumption is zero or very low for a long time (but he is obviously using electrical appliances), there may be problems. Note: You may need legal reasons to obtain other people's data. -**Comparison of historical bills**: If you have the same apartment type as your neighbors, the electricity consumption is very different (excluding reasonable reasons) for reference. --- ### **3. Monitor public areas** -**Take evidence**: If you find obvious illegal wiring (such as a branch from your electric meter), you can take pictures and record them, but avoid taking pictures of neighbors' private areas. -**Check the public distribution box**: If the electric meter is concentrated in a public area, observe whether there are abnormal changes (property or professional assistance is required). --- ### **4. Request professional assistance** -**Contact the power supply company**: To report suspicious power theft, the power supply company has technical means to detect abnormal power consumption (such as load detection, power failure repair test). -**Hire an electrician**: Ask an electrician to check whether your meter is being shunted through legal means (you need to communicate the authority issue in advance). --- ###**Precautions** -**Avoid handling it yourself**: Do not touch the neighbor's electricity meter or line privately, which may cause legal disputes or safety risks. -**Protect privacy**: All operations must be within the legal scope to avoid taking pictures, invading other people's territory, etc. -**Police or legal channels**: If there is conclusive evidence, you can report it to the police or the power department, and they will intervene in the investigation. --- ###**Why be cautious? ** Illegal wire theft is an illegal act, but collecting evidence privately may infringe privacy or be counterclaimed. It is recommended to resolve it through authoritative departments, which can not only protect one's own rights and interests, but also avoid legal risks.