Police Call On Public To Help Arrest Power Cable Thieves Police in Shropshire today renewed pleas for public help in preventing thieves stealing overhead power cables worth thousands of pounds. The fresh appeal follows the latest theft of live copper cable from rural locations in the county. Around 1,000 metres of overhead line were stolen under the cover of darkness from near the village of Hinstock in north Shropshire early yesterday. Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff, said: “We are appealing for witnesses who may have spotted people climbing telegraph poles and seemingly working on overhead lines. “Although it’s an isolated rural location, the busy A41 Chester Road runs very close to where the cable was taken. We believe it was stolen at some point between 3.30 and 5am yesterday. One home was left without power as a result.” About 500 metres of cable were taken from either side of a single property situated on the main road. It’s thought the thieves would have scaled several telegraph poles. Police inquiries are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact West Mercia Police by calling 101. Details can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. A spate of similar cable thefts were reported earlier this summer in the south eastern part of the county at Tong, Albrighton, Much Wenlock, Monkhopton and Sutton Maddock. Incidents have also occurred in other parts of the West Midlands and although three suspects were arrested in Warwickshire, the thefts have continued. DI Wagstaff said the public could play a vital role in helping police catch thieves red-handed. “If you see people working on telegraph poles, electricity pylons or overhead lines, night or day, please call the police straight away on 101 so we can check out if they are authorised power company staff. “Even if they look genuine, with protective clothing and fluorescent jackets, call the police immediately. It doesn’t matter if they turn out to be genuine staff – it’s important people let us know without delay.” She said the thieves were putting themselves at risk tampering with live, high voltage cable and may have past experience of working on power lines. DI Wagstaff added: “Most of the incidents have been in isolated rural locations, usually at night although thefts have occurred during daytime too. We believe they are operating in gangs of at least two or three, with a car or van at hand and possibly someone acting as lookout while the cable is being removed.” Issued: Thursday, 26 September 2013
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 07:58:35 +0000
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