Takeaway shuts amid claims of electricity theft

A POPULAR takeaway in Dundee closed suddenly amid accusations it had been stealing electricity.

Marco Polo, on Hawkhill near the West Port roundabout, shut its doors on Friday and remained closed yesterday.

Police have confirmed an investigation into electricity theft relating to a business in the street is under way.

Police and SSE engineers were seen at the premises on Friday, apparently to switch off the supply.

A Po l i c e S c o t l a n d spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm it is dealing with an ongoing inquiry regarding offences relating to theft of electricity and associated incidents of illegally connecting to an electricity supply at a commercial premises in Hawkhill, Dundee.

“Inquiries are being conducted alongside officers from SSE and a relevant report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”

An SSE spokeswoman confirmed the matter had been referred to the police but would not comment further.

A staff member at Marco Polo, who did not give his name, said the situation arose after the business changed electric supplier and there was a disagreement over a bill.

They added the owner “has their reasons” for the shop being closed over the weekend but it was not to do with the power supply.

A response to an email request for comment said: “We would like to confirm we have not been stealing electric but we believe we are being charged for electric we are not using and are refusing to pay the electric company until the matter has been looked at.”