25 June 2009 09:49 Eyes and ears on the electricity network: Central Networks launches Derbyshire Substation Watch

Electricity distribution company Central Networks has teamed up with Derbyshire Police and Neighbourhood Watch to launch a new initiative targeting criminals who are stealing copper from electricity substations.

This joint initiative was launched in Swadlincote and will be rolled out across the county in the coming months.

"Substations are often a draw for vandals or thieves but can also be a tempting destination for curious kids," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks.

"Even if it's as innocent as a young boy looking to get his football back, by noticing something wrong we can help keep our communities safe.

"We have 94,000 substations across central England, this is something we take extremely seriously.

"Our Power Discovery Zone buses tour schools, educating thousands of schoolchildren every year on playing safe around the network, but our customers can help by acting as our eyes and ears."

Substation Watch recruits people living close to a substation and asks them to keep an eye on it and to report as and when a problem occurs.

Each member is given a card with the emergency telephone contact number which they are asked to keep by the phone.

Hugh Tyler, the Chairman of Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch, said he was delighted to be associated with Central Networks working towards making communities safer.

He said: "If we save one life or serious injury we will have contributed to making our community a safer place to live."

Central Networks, which supplies power to 9.4 million people from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh borders, works closely with the charity Crimestoppers, which is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution and conviction of those responsible.

Individuals who wish to provide information about who is committing these crimes can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 94,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
• The Power Discovery Zone is a free educational resource for primary schools across the Midlands with fun activities about electricity and how to recognise the dangers around the home and in the street.

For further information contact:
Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677