Metal thefts in Derbyshire spark appeal from WPD

Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distributor for the Midlands, is urging Derbyshire residents to be vigilant after suffering metal thefts across the county.

Simon Havill, WPD’s Distribution Manager for Derby, is concerned that the activity could result in serious injury or even death.

“The thieves are putting the public, our staff and themselves in danger,” said Simon.

“We have experienced a number of incidents in Derbyshire during the last few weeks. Our main concern is safety of the public and our staff, but metal theft can also result in losses of electricity supplies to homes and businesses. I would like to ask the public to alert the police should they see any suspicious activity at our substations or near overhead cables – including unmarked vans or trucks appearing at unusual hours.”

Metal theft is a nationwide problem, but it has escalated in the last few years and is currently costing WPD around £1 million a year to put right.

The company is stepping up its security with CCTV, anti-vandal paint, Smart water and intruder alarms, and is also working closely with the police at a local and national level to combat the issue.

A wall chart and a new identification booklet featuring all its electricity cables have also been published and distributed to police and scrap metal dealers.

A Derbyshire police spokesman said: “The force recently carried out Operation Calanthia to target the rise in metal thefts in the county. During that time the theft of metal did decrease but it is still a problem throughout Derbyshire.

“Anyone who witnesses any suspicious behaviour should contact the police on 101 or in an emergency 999.”