Cumbria cable thieves prompt payouts to rail passengers
By Chris Story

Last updated at 13:10, Wednesday, 11 May 2011


Network Rail has paid out thousands of pounds in compensation to passengers for delays caused by cable thieves in Cumbria.

Hours of delays were caused by a handful crimes where thieves have targeted the railways for metal which they then sell as scrap.

Cases of metal thefts have risen generally – with lead stolen from school roofs in north and west Cumbria in the past week – as the black market value of it has soared.

Network Rail has dealt with six cable theft incidents from its Carlisle depot over the last three years, causing just over 11 hours of delays for passengers.

They have led to compensation payments totalling more than £4,800 being made to passengers for the delays they suffered.

Train services are hit when criminals target the cables that control the likes of signals and points.

Network Rail route director Jo Kaye said: “These criminal acts have to stop.

“Every day, passengers and essential freight deliveries upon which our economy relies are being delayed by thieves looking to make a quick buck at our expense.

“I cannot over-emphasise just how serious these crimes are. Cable thieves deny passengers the service they rightly expect and, through the massive cost to the industry, deny everyone improvements to rail services.”

The firm, which is responsible for the maintenance of the country’s rail network, is working with British Transport Police (BTP) in an attempt to catch those responsible for the crimes.

Nationally, cable thefts over the past three years have cost the industry £43 million, resulting in 16,000 hours of delays.

Detective Inspector Andrea Rainey, of BTP, said: “We are determined to send a clear message that such attacks on our critical infrastructure are unacceptable and the police and rail industry are working together to tackle the problem.”

Anyone with information about cable thefts should call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111.

First published at 11:27, Wednesday, 11 May 2011
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