CRIME fighting charity Crimestoppers and electricity distributor Northern Powergrid have renewed their pledge to work together to tackle metal theft crime.

The two organisations have signed a two-year partnership reaffirming their commitment to tackling the issue and to help catch the thieves who steal from the region’s power network.

As part of the agreement, they will continue to offer rewards of up to £1,000 for information given to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of an individual for a metal theft offence.

Earlier this year a joint campaign targeted metal thefts in Stockton - regarded as a ‘hotspot’ area - and asked the local community to contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information.

Rodger Holden, director of business development for Crimestoppers, said: “We’ve produced some really encouraging results working alongside Northern Powergrid and my hope is that we continue to achieve more.

“Our message is clear – metal theft is not a victimless crime and we continue to do all we can, alongside Northern Powergrid, to cut it out.”

Nigel Walker, Northern Powergrid’s vulnerable assets manager, said: “Metal theft from our network not only disrupts power supplies to homes and businesses, it can also be potentially fatal.

“Thieves leave our substations and power lines damaged, increasing the danger of electrocution from anyone who comes too close to our equipment.

“It’s vital that local communities come together to help tackle metal theft crime and report any suspicious activity near their local power network.”