the present technology involves a method and apparatus for detecting and reporting magnetic fields in the proximity of a utility meter as an approach to determining tampering of such meter . the sensitivity level of the magnetic field sensors may be adjustable allowing either remote or local sensitivity adjustments to a magnetic field sensor to compensate for variations in the electromagnetic environments of different meter installation sites . alternatively , the output of each magnetic field sensor may be connected to the input of an adjustable threshold circuit . when the output voltage of the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage , a magnetic event signal is generated . threshold adjustments to the adjustable threshold circuit may be performed locally at the meter site or remotely from a station . the output of each magnetic field sensor may be monitored by a locally or remotely programmable magnetic sensor output monitor . such magnetic sensor output monitor generates a magnetic event signal when a predetermined number of magnetic sensors have been activated .