Covert crime-busting technology is being utilised to track down metal thieves who cause significant delays to passengers and freight on the West Coast main line, Europe’s busiest mixed-use railway.
Network Rail is intensifying its efforts to deter cable theft by deploying special ‘trespass beads.’ These beads provide police with the ability to irrefutably link offenders to crime scenes.
Trespass beads are tiny pellets designed to break upon impact. They contain SelectaDNA, a unique UV-based DNA solution that is a proven and credible way to place a criminal at a crime scene without their knowledge.
The special solution released by the beads can be detected by trained sniffer dogs and seen under special police torches, enabling the recovery of stolen metal and the apprehension of those who illegally sell these items.
This is just one of many deterrents being deployed, including the use of drones and covert cameras, all aimed at dissuading thieves from this disruptive and unsafe activity. The theft not only impacts train services as Network Rail replaces the cable to get passengers and freight moving again, but it also poses significant risks to the criminals’ lives.
Jennifer Hartnett, Network Rail’s route crime and security manager for West Coast South, said: “Cable theft is a timely and expensive problem for the railway and it causes huge disruption to our passengers and freight services.
“To prevent it, we’re working closely with our partners at the British Transport Police and using innovative tactics like our trespass beads to help bring thieves to justice. We urge anyone who sees something suspicious on or near the railway to contact the British Transport Police.”
For the financial year 2023/2024, there were 101 incidents across the national rail network, causing trains to be delayed by 55,764 minutes at an estimated cost to the taxpayer of £4 million.
However, the West Coast main line between London Euston and Crewe has seen a downward trend in cable theft due to the tactics deployed. It remains an issue, with cable theft on this route causing trains to be delayed by 823 minutes at an estimated cost to the taxpayer of £175,000 for that same year.
Sergeant Malik Hussain of the British Transport Police said: “We are working closely with Network Rail to deter cable theft by using police tactics. By adopting a multi-agency approach, we are putting ourselves in a stronger position to identify thieves and locate stolen metal.
“Our message to thieves is clear: we are aware of your activity and of the hotspots for this crime. You will be caught and brought to justice.”
Photo and Video Credit: Network Rail
