Copper thieves cause trains chaos (From South Wales Argus)

Copper thieves cause trains chaos

2:20pm Tuesday 2nd November 2010 in News

THIEVES "put their lives at risk" stealing live copper wire worth around £12,000 from signalling boxes in Gwent.

The theft caused rail disruptions for almost 11 hours after between 50 and 60 metres of cable from boxes between Newport and Severn Junction Tunnel was taken.

Investigating officer for the British Transport Police, DC Christopher Bolton, said: "Stealing railway cable is also incredibly dangerous. Not only does it present severe dangers to those who trespass on the line, who are putting their lives at risk, it also causes real headaches for passengers in terms of delays or disruptions to services."

Thieves struck just after 9pm on Friday and train services were disrupted until 8am the following day. The cables were carrying a live electrical current at the time of the theft.

DC Bolton said thefts of this nature are linked to the rising price of copper, which has jumped from roughly 94p per pound in February 2009 to around £2.38 per pound now.

DC Bolton added: "Those who steal cable from the railways are putting themselves in immense danger. Railway lines are operational 24 hours a day and trespassing can prove fatal.

"Strong currents also pass through the cables and can pass 650 volts through anyone who touches them. Those who steal cable are not only risking a prison sentence, they are risking their lives."

Network Rail and Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £1,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of cable thieves.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All callers must quote incident 705 of 29/10/2010.

---

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Stop danger thefts

WE CANNOT understand why anyone would want to put their own lives at risk in order to steal. But that is exactly what happened in Gwent at the weekend. Thieves risked life and limb for the chance to take cabling from railway signalling boxes between Newport and the Severn Tunnel Junction. Police are blaming the rising price of copper, which is making such thefts more attractive. But surely whoever is carrying out such a stupid crime must realise the danger in which they are placing themselves and others. It seems the temptation is just too great. Their senseless activities also resulted in chaos for travellers, who faced 11 hours of disruption. Network Rail and Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £1,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. And we urge anyone who has any information to get in touch to try to stop this dangerous and disruptive crime.