27 March 2007 00:00 Central Networks and Crimestoppers launch new campaign to stop break-ins

Central Networks and Crimestoppers have joined forces to target criminals who are stealing copper from electricity substations across central England.

The reckless – and potentially deadly – actions of thieves have already led to two fatalities, a number of serious injuries and more than 50,000 customers temporarily losing their electricity supply throughout the region.

In a bid to combat the spate of copper thefts, Central Networks has joined forces with the charity Crimestoppers and will offer a reward of up to £1,000, to be presented anonymously, for information leading to the successful prosecution and conviction of those responsible.

Alan Raymant, Director of Operations and Asset Management at Central Networks, said: “By smashing their way into our substations and breaking into our vital equipment, these people are not only putting their own lives at risk, they’re also causing huge inconvenience to our customers.

“With 97,000 substations across central England, this is a real problem for us – and for colleagues in other companies across the country who have the same problem – and one that we’re taking very, very seriously.

“We not only have to educate people to stay away from our equipment, we also need our customers to act as our eyes and ears and we’d always encourage anyone who sees something suspicious going on at our substations to contact the police immediately.

“In addition, we’ve put in place a variety of additional security measures, including CCTV, which will make life more difficult for the thieves.”

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers’ Director of Operations said: “These criminals are putting themselves in an unbelievable amount of danger. Their thoughtless actions can also result in a loss of service to thousands of customers.

“Anyone who wants to give us information about who is committing these crimes can call us anonymously on 0800 555 111. Calls are not traced or recorded and they will not have to give evidence in court. Your call could help save someone from death or serious injury and stop this reckless crime from spreading further.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 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;
• Crimestoppers is the only charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person is charged with murder every five days, as a result of information given to Crimestoppers;
• Crimestoppers also runs the Most Wanted website www.mostwanted-uk.org where people can give information about suspected criminals anonymously online;
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has had over 850,000 calls. There have been over 75,000 arrests, over £95m property has been recovered and over £130m worth of drugs has been seized.

For further information contact:
Jamee Majid on 024 7618 3679
Jonathan Smith on 024 7618 3676
Emily Highmore on 024 7618 3680
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