Spate of copper cable thefts from north Worcestershire substations
Sites in Redditch have been targeted in recent weeks
A spate of thefts from electricity substations in north Worcestershire have prompted police to ask us to watch out for suspicious activity.
National Grid sites in Redditch have been targeted in particular, with thieves taking copper earthing cables.
Incidents have been reported at Mayfields Gardens, Cropthorne Close, Smallwood Street and Woodrow Shopping Centre since the end of February.
West Mercia Police and the National Grid are stepping security at affected sites, but are also calling on us to report anything we notice that's untoward.
Sarah Sceats, Rural and Business Crime Officer (RABO) for north Worcestershire, said: “We are asking for the public to report any suspicious activity around electrical substations in the area following recent reports of copper earthing being stolen.
“Offenders are breaking into the locations to steal the cables for the black market due to their scrap value and we are working with National Grid Electricity Distribution to address this.
“RABOs regularly give crime prevention advice to partners and businesses about burglaries and thefts as well as carrying out spot-check visits to scrapyards to clamp down on anyone trying to sell on stolen metals such as cabling like this.
“As well as the criminal element, break-ins like these can leave the electrical wiring unsafe which is an obvious risk to those committing the crimes.
“The value of the cabling within the sites is comparatively low, however the repair costs are substantial.
“Our partners at National Grid Electricity Distribution are quick to repair the damage to protect the public from any potential risk or harm.”
Shaun Longstaff, Policy Engineer at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We are working closely with West Mercia Police after incidents of copper cable thefts at some of our substation sites near Redditch. Such crimes are not only incredibly dangerous but can cause unnecessary power cuts for customers.
"Customers should always call the emergency services if they believe a crime is ongoing.
"If customers have a power cut, or spot suspicious activity near one of our sites, please also call us on 105 so that we can assist. All National Grid Electricity Distribution staff fixing faults will have a clear and identifiable National Grid uniform."
Anyone with information about the thefts can call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting reference number 217i of 25th February.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.