Thieves target overhead power cables in Shropshire
Police in Shropshire are urging people to keep a lookout for thieves stealing overhead power cables worth thousands of pounds.
During the past fortnight, six cable thefts have been reported in Shropshire at Tong, Albrighton, Much Wenlock, two instances at Monkhopton and Sutton Maddock.
Fully equipped thieves are scaling telegraph poles and electricity pylons to cut live power lines for their copper content.
Up to 500 metres are being stolen each time, disrupting power supplies to nearby properties.
West Mercia Police are now appealing to members of the public to report anyone seen working on overhead power cables, night or day.
Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff, based at Shrewsbury police station, said: “We are asking local people to contact us if they see anyone working on overhead lines or climbing telegraph poles or pylons.
“Even if they look genuine, with protective clothing and fluorescent jackets, call the police immediately on 101 so we can check them out. It doesn’t matter if they turn out to be genuine – 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 had some experience working on power lines in the past.
“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.”
DI Wagstaff added that anyone knowing the identity of the offenders could receive a payment by passing details to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
