Thieves risk lives stealing electric cables (From The Northern Echo)

Thieves risk lives stealing electric cables

1:06pm Wednesday 8th September 2010 in

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THIEVES are risking death by cutting live electrical wires to steal the copper cable inside them in a series of thefts across North Yorkshire.

In recent months the crooks have stolen more than 3,000 metres of cable affecting power supplies and creating a danger to locals.

North Yorkshire Police and CE Electric UK are asking the public to be vigilant as they seek to catch those responsible for the thefts.

They want locals to report suspicious activity in the area of substations or pylons.

The thieves usually strike at night using transit-style vans similar to those used by the electricity companies leading people to think they are legitimate workers.

In the past criminals have been hospitalised after getting massive electric shocks from the cables and others are thought to have ignored treatment.

Inspector Chris Witty, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "As well as overhead cables, thieves have stolen wire leading to homes leaving dangerous wires exposed.

"Although the financial aspect is a problem, the risk to members of the public is of great concern to us.

"We urge people to be vigilant and don’t go near any cut cables or those hanging down from overhead lines.

"It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or worse."

Paul Norton, head of safety at CE Electric UK, said people were lucky to escape serious injuries.

He said: "We have seen people lose their lives and many more receive horrific electrical burn injuries after trying to steal cables, power lines and other components from our network."

Anyone with any information should call police on 0845-6060-247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

CE Electric UK can be contacted via its emergency number on 0800-375-675.