Confirming whether a neighbor is illegally stealing electricity is a complex and sensitive task involving legal and safety issues. Here are some suggestions and methods, but it is strongly recommended that you contact a professional or relevant department before taking any action: ### Methods and signs 1. **Observe the meter** - **Check the meter integrity**: Check the neighbor's meter for obvious damage, signs of modification, or tamper-proof labels. If the meter is found to be moved or has unusual markings, further investigation may be required. - **Read the meter**: If you have the opportunity, you can record the meter readings regularly to compare whether its electricity usage matches the actual usage of your neighbors. 2. **Monitor for abnormal phenomena** - **Voltage fluctuations**: Illegal electricity theft may cause unstable voltage. Observe whether the appliances in your home frequently malfunction or trip. - **Power loss**: If the power loss of the entire building or area increases abnormally, there may be power theft. 3. **Witness suspicious activity** - **Nighttime activity**: Pay attention to whether your neighbors have unusual electrical equipment running during non-peak electricity consumption hours, such as additional lights or equipment. 4. **Use smart meters and monitoring equipment** - **Install smart meters**: Some smart meters can monitor electricity usage and help identify abnormal patterns. - **Monitoring instruments**: Professional power monitoring equipment can detect abnormal fluctuations in current and voltage, but professional knowledge is usually required to interpret the data. ### Important Tips - **Legal and Safety**: Self-detection and investigation may involve privacy and legal issues and pose safety risks. The power system is complex and improper operation may cause dangers such as electric shock or fire. - **Contact professionals**: If you suspect illegal power theft, the safest and legal thing to do is to contact your local power company or law enforcement. They have professional equipment and authority to investigate and deal with such issues. - **Keep the evidence**: If you decide to report it, try to collect relevant evidence, such as meter readings, abnormal electricity bills, or other observable signs, so that professionals can investigate. ### Summary Illegal power theft is not only illegal, but may also pose a threat to public safety. For your safety and legal rights, it is recommended that you report your suspicions and evidence to the relevant power company or law enforcement agency and let professionals handle this issue.