PROTESTERS are set to besiege the offices of a Glasgow debt-collection agency tonight over its involvement in the pre-payment meter scandal.

Arvato Financial Solutions has been accused of breaking into the homes of vulnerable people to forcibly install expensive pre-payment meters on behalf of profiteering energy giant British Gas.

The firm received a bonus for every home it broke into, furious campaign group Power to the People said.

And campaigners warned that any further acts of violence against vulnerable people by Arvato and British Gas would be resisted.

Power to the People involves academics, researchers, councillors, former MSPs and climate campaigners. 

The group said that, during the first half of 2022, British Gas owner Centrica reported profits of £1.3 billion.

But despite handing millions to shareholders, the company pursued “the most vulnerable for every penny they have.”

In Scotland, 32,000 warrants for forced installation were applied for by energy companies in the first 10 months of 2022, they said.

Former Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran said: “These companies are vultures.

“Frightening children and vulnerable people, breaking down doors and collecting bigger bonuses the more people they plunge into darkness. 

“This practice should be made illegal in Scotland.”

Power to the People organiser Alistair Craig warned: “If you’re in the business of exploiting Glasgow’s most vulnerable people, you can expect a visit from the Power to the People campaign.”

Glasgow Labour councillor Matt Kerr said: “Amid a cost-of-living crisis, Arvato broke into our homes at the behest of an energy company making millions. 

“With energy bills set to rise once more in April, this is an act of violence and greed we cannot let pass without protest.”

Centrica and Arvato were invited to comment.