27 July 2010 14:38 Chainsaw attacks on Midlands power poles putting lives at risk, Central Networks warns
Four chainsaw attacks on the Midlands power network in recent days have left thousands of customers without power and thieves playing Russian roulette with their lives.
With attacks in both the East and West Midlands, Central Networks is warning that the recent escalation in vandalism could easily see the chainsaw-wielding thieves end up dead.
Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: "These are spectacularly dangerous attacks that could have left the thieves either dead or with horrendous injuries. Cutting down power poles and stealing power lines really is gambling with your life.
"It's alarming that thieves are willing to take such big risks for metal which is worth just a few pounds.
"In addition, they leave behind a potentially dangerous situation which our engineers have to make safe and then carry out repairs, so people can get the power back on in their homes and businesses."
The attacks are:
- In Misterton Carr, North Nottinghamshire, two power poles were cut down and copper cabling stolen on early Monday (26th July) morning, leaving more than 260 customers without power. Engineers also found a further two power poles nearby, which had been cut but were still standing, being supported by the overhead lines;
- In Swinethorpe, in Newark-on-Trent, at the weekend engineers investigating a fault found three poles had been attacked with a chainsaw and copper wiring had been stolen, leaving more than 200 customers without power;
- In Wednesfield, near Wolverhampton, a wooden power pole was cut through on Monday in broad day light, cutting power to more than 4600 customers. It's believed the pole was cut through at the base in an attempt to steal a nearby transformer;
- In an attack earlier this month in Bloxwich, Walsall, a power pole was left balancing on its stump after being cut.
Police are investigating the incidents. Anyone who has information about the incident, or any vandalism to or theft of Central Networks property, is encouraged to contact police or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - 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.
For further information contact:
Alisha Allen on 02476 192 063