Call for vigilance after new spate of cable thefts

People around Plymouth are being asked to be vigilant after reckless thieves carried out a fresh spate of dangerous electricity cable thefts.

High voltage lines have been cut down at four locations within a 13 mile radius of the city since the start of the new year:

• On 2 January, an overhead line was cut down and 70 metres of cable stolen at Ridge Road, Plympton
• On 16 January, an overhead conductor was cut down and 30 metres of cable were taken at Denham, Bere Alston. The same day, the thieves brought down an 11kV line at Sparkwell but didn’t manage to remove cable
• On January 22, a 33kV power line at Endsleigh, Ivybridge, was felled and 80 metres of cable was stolen

These incidents targeting copper cable follow others at Colebrook, Bickleigh, Lee Moor and Shaugh Prior before Christmas. At one location our engineers found a live wire dangling among trees.

Ashley Pillay, of National Grid in Plymouth, said: “The thieves have been cutting into live power cables which is incredibly dangerous. Those responsible are putting themselves at high risk of serious injury or even death.

“Their recklessness is endangering unwitting passers-by who might not see live cables on the ground, as well as our engineers who arrive on scene, sometimes at night, to repair the damage. As a result of the latest four incidents, the thieves have caused a large number of customers to lose power for up to six hours.

“If anyone sees activity near electricity lines or substations that looks out of place, please report it to us on 0800 096 3080 or call the police immediately.”

The thieves have caused £10,000 worth of damage to National Grid’s network and Devon and Cornwall Police has launched “Operation Langstone” to catch them.

Acting Chief Inspector Steve Philp said: “These are well organised thieves who are stealing equipment for its metal value and we would appeal to anyone who is offered suspicious cables to get in touch.

“Due to the weight of the cable, we believe it would take at least two people using a pickup truck or a van.”

Anyone with information should call the police on 101 quoting Operation Langstone reference 50220058345. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the charity’s website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org