I have not heard of any 'meter thives' around here, even in the large cities.
Our poco (PSE&G has been installing barrel locks for a long time. The "base" model secures the face of the meter pan to the can. Next model is the locking ring; then they have a big device that basically blocks the lower 1/3 of the meter pan; also good for CT cabinets.
I've seen a few desperate EC's use a hole saw to defeat the barrel lock, a few have 'fabricated' a pick type tool, and a few use th tries n' true 'pry-it-open' all purpose screwdriver and hammer. This is not done for energy theft, but on service changes when the meter tech don't show.
I once had an apt house super that would 'flip' his apt meter, under the assumption that it will run backwards when it was/is upside down; he got caught by an off schedule meter reader.
John
