OFFICERS arrested three people yesterday as part of an operation to crack down on an electricity scam.

Haringey police raided four businesses in High Road, Tottenham, on suspsicion they were involved in pay-as-you-go electricity meter fraud as part of Operation Kahuku.

A 37-year-old and a 35-year-old were arrested for using electricity illegally and possession of fake cigarettes.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested for theft of electricity.

Energy customers who use pre-pay electricity meters get a personal key fob to top-up in newsagents or the post office.

The key is then plugged into their electricity meter and the amount they bought is added.

But criminals have cloned the keys so that they can be used in any electricity meter and using the cloned keys to top-up meters without paying.

Detective Sergeant Paul Cheadle, of the Haringey Critical Incident Team, who was leading the operation said: "This is a nationwide issue and is not just London based. We have been working with the energy industry to identify those involved in this type of fraud and have been taking action in response to information given to Crimestoppers anonymously.

"We are reliant on the community continuing to provide information to enable us to deal with those involved effectively."

He added: "Companies can identify illegal top-ups so you won't be getting a bargain."