Raiders targeted the home which was under renovation in Leonard’s Road, Leverington, over the weekend.
Police said the theft caused a small gas leak which then caused an explosion which destroyed the property yesterday.
Inspector Robin Sissons said: “This incident shows how dangerous stealing copper pipes from homes can be.
“This caused an explosion which obliterated the house and it is only sheer luck that the offenders responsible, or the people living nearby, were not killed or seriously injured in the blast.
“I would also urge people who have properties under renovation to shut off their gas supply when the home is unoccupied.”