Manchester man jailed after theft from railway in Cumbria

A 40 year old man from Greater Manchester has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for stealing approximately £12,000 worth of cable from railway sidings in Tebay, Cumbria.

Graham John Ward from Owlwood Drive, Little Hulton, was sentenced yesterday, 13 September 2007, at Carlisle Crown Court after failing to appear at court on 10 September 2007.

He was subsequently arrested this week and brought before the court where he pleaded guilty to theft.

Detective Inspector Stephen Lewis of British Transport Police coordinates ‘Operation Drum’ in the North West, BTP’s national operation to target cable theft.

DI Lewis said. “After the threat of terrorism, the theft of cable is one of BTP’s biggest challenges.

“This is an extremely dangerous crime which is costly to the rail industry and causes hours of delays to the thousands of passengers who rely on the rail network. The disruption that is caused really is an attack on the community.”

“The fact that this man has received a 15 month prison sentence should serve as a warning to any thieves who steal from the railway infrastructure.

“Local scrap dealers should also be aware that if they knowingly buy such stolen cable then they will be dealt with in a similarly severe manner.”

On 27 March 2007 BTP were informed of a quantity of cable being stolen from railway sidings at Tebay, Cumbria. The drum of cable was destined for a nearby sub-station which provides electricity to overhead power lines.

Graham Ward was arrested a short time later and charged on 28 March. He first appeared at Carlisle Magistrates court on 12 April, 2007.

DI Lewis added. "BTP has dedicated cable squads who undertake regular operations, including regular round the clock patrols targeted at hotspot crime areas throughout the North West. BTP will continue to work hard to catch and prosecute offenders in an effort to stamp out this problem."

A Network Rail Spokesperson said. "Cable theft is a serious issue for the railway and is both costly and disruptive. The courts decision in this case reinforces the message that Network Rail and BTP will continue to work together to tackle the issue and prosecute the people who carry out the thefts."

Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]