‘Foolhardy’ cable thieves putting their lives at risk (From York Press)

‘Foolhardy’ cable thieves putting their lives at risk

9:22am Saturday 21st July 2012 in News

THIEVES in North Yorkshire are “taking their lives into their own hands” by stealing power cables, according to police.

A spate of thefts of 11,000 volt overhead cables have been reported in the Selby area in recent weeks, particularly in the southern area of the district close to the border with West Yorkshire.

Now, North Yorkshire Police and Northern Powergrid have joined forces to warn of the dangers of stealing the cables, and urge anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to police immediately.

Inspector Richard Abbott, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It is no exaggeration to say that people stealing overhead power cables are taking their lives into their own hands.

“If these thefts continue it is only a matter of time before someone is killed and I am appealing for these thefts to stop urgently. Not only are offenders putting their own lives in danger, they are putting members of the public at risk too and that is completely unacceptable.”

Patrols have been stepped up around the district in areas which have been targeted by cable thieves, and Northern Powergrid have released an image of their official vans, pictured, so residents can differentiate between legal and illegal workmen parked close to power lines.

Nigel Walker, vulnerable assets manager, said: “Theft of metal from our power assets is an utterly foolhardy act that puts at risk the lives of not only the thieves but also the general public. It brings disruption to the community and the damage it can cause may take weeks to repair fully.

Anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity or workmen should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or if it is a crime in progress 999.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.