Police warning after spate of Selby copper cable thefts (From York Press)

Police warning after spate of Selby copper cable thefts

9:41am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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POLICE and electricity bosses are urging people to be vigilant following a spate of copper cable thefts.

The warning comes after thieves twice cut through live electric cables in the Selby area last month, leaving households without power for several hours and putting members of the public at risk of being electrocuted.

North Yorkshire Police is asking members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour in the areas of substations or pylons.

Thieves usually arrive during the night and often use white transit-type vans which appear similar to those used by electricity companies, leading people to believe that legitimate work is being carried out.

Inspector Chris Witty, of Selby police, said: “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: “The thieves are lucky to get away, seemingly without injury, and we are working with the police to help them with their investigations and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0845 60 60 247 or CE Electric UK on 0800 375 675.