More firms stealing water as profits dry up in the recession

Yorkshire Water said water theft reached an all-time high last month, with an estimated 25 million litres taken. Between January and July there were 78 incidents of hydrant misuse.

The worst area is West Yorkshire, with 32 cases this year, with the highest concentration, 13, in Bradford.

Melanie Dawson, of Yorkshire Water, said: "From previous cases of hydrant abuse, we know that most businesses that are caught know that they are in the wrong.

"However, the temptation to save money during these difficult economic times, along with the fact that water is in high demand following the driest spring and summer in decades, has meant that many businesses continue to tap into hydrants without a licence or the correct equipment."

There have also been instances where fire crews have arrived at a fire only to find the nearest hydrant is damaged.

In the past eight months the company has prosecuted five firms for illegally tapping into fire or other hydrants.