18 August 2010 08:41 Coventry copper crime spree leaves 37 substations without vital safety equipment

In the last week alone, an alarming 37 substation break-ins have been discovered in Coventry, with thieves stealing vital safety equipment. In an effort to curb these dangerous attacks on the electricity network, Central Networks has increased its usual CrimeStoppers reward five-fold.

PC *** Neale, of West Midlands Police, said: "Theft from substations is highly dangerous.  People in other parts of the West Midlands have died as a result of getting a massive electric shock after stealing metal from a substation. 

"Not only that, it leaves the substations, which are normally well secured, open to the public, where anyone including children could wander in and be electrocuted.

"Because of these dangers we are treating this crime very seriously and are visiting all our scrap metal dealers to help trace the offenders."

The substations, which were all carrying at least 11,000 volts, are the target of copper thieves who broke in and ripped out copper earthing, without which thousands of customers could have been placed in danger and without power.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager at Central Networks, said: "We take these attacks extremely serious and are working closely with the Police and CrimeStoppers to ensure everything possible is done so those responsible can be brought to justice.

"These thieves continue to risk life and limb for the sake of scrap metal, behaviour which not only presents a huge inconvenience to those who may suffer power cuts, but which can leave behind a potentially dangerous situation, particularly where substation doors have been left open.

"We display warning signs and keep our substations locked and fenced off for good reason, and in many areas have introduced Smart Water as an added deterrent to these vandals who continue to risk serious injury."

Over recent years, the irresponsible action of thieves targeting electricity substations has led to a number of serious injuries, but luckily in all of the 37 cases no one was hurt and no customers lost supply as a result.

Anyone able to provide any information about who is committing these crimes is encouraged to call CrimeStoppers 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.
• 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.

For further information contact:

Alisha Allen on 02476 192063

Victoria Blake on 02476 181304