THIEVES are risking their lives by stealing copper wire, say police.

This comes after the latest theft this week when thieves cut through live wires on an electrical mast in a field close to Risca Comprehensive School in order to steal around 1,200 metres of wiring.

The value of the wire is around £1,000 but police are warning people about any attempts to steal metal, saying it has killed people in the past.

Following this latest theft, which happened at around 4.40am on Wednesday, power was lost to a nearby telecommunications mast and a farm.

Western Power Distribution, which is responsible for the mast, sent a team out to install generators in order to get the power supply working while they fixed the mast.

Engineers managed to fix the supply by around 6.30am, when the two affected areas had their power restored.

Both police and Western Power are keen to stress the dangers involved in this type of crime and anyone who has information about this theft, or who knows of anyone involved in any type of metal theft, is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.