18.04.16
Seven attempted cable thefts hit Nottinghamshire in past month
Thieves have tried to steal cable from Nottinghamshire railways in seven separate incidents in the past month, causing delays and cost on the railways.
British Transport Police (BTP), Network Rail and East Midlands Trains are now appealing for help stopping the thefts, which have led to 331 passenger services and 27 freight/engineering trains being delayed or cancelled, 2,654 minutes of disruption for passengers and a cost to the railway of £119,165.
The incidents took place west of Nottingham city centre on 12 March, 18 March and 16 April, at Long Eaton on 19 March and 23 March, and near Netherfield station on 24 March and 28 March.
Gary Walsh, area director for Network Rail in the East Midlands, said: “Cable theft is not a victimless crime – far from it. Train delays and cancellations directly affect people getting to work, visiting family and travelling to hospital appointments.
“Cable thieves disrupt people’s lives and we will continue working with British Transport Police to protect the rail network upon which our economy relies.”
Officers on foot, in vehicles and with dogs are now carrying out directed patrols in the area.
Detective Inspector Gareth Davies from BTP said: “The railway is also an extremely dangerous environment and anyone who risks their lives - while disrupting those of others - by carrying out this sort of crime needs to be found.”
Concentrated efforts by BTP have led to cable theft dropping by 93% in the past five years.
Andrew Conroy, acting customer experience director for East Midlands Trains, said: “It’s really frustrating that our customers’ journeys keep being disrupted by these cable thieves. We will continue to work with the British Transport Police and Network Rail to do everything we can to stamp out this criminal activity and reduce the impact on our customers.”
He urged passengers to seek compensation for delays. A recent Office of Rail and Road (ORR) report said more needs to be done by train companies to encourage passengers to seek compensation.
Anyone with information about the thefts should call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text them on 61016 quoting reference 104 of 12/04, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
(Image c. Mattbuck)