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We are working with our partner Northern Powergrid to raise awareness about the dangers that metal and cable theft can create for the public. This is a serious crime that can result in power cuts to a community’s network, destruction of property, serious environmental damage and major disruption for homes and businesses. More importantly, metal and cable theft put lives at risk.
What is metal theft?
For Northern Powergrid, metal theft relates to the theft of electricity cables, earthing and other electrical equipment from power lines or substations.
Why are we focusing on this?
We tackle all criminal activity and work to make the public aware of associated dangers. Theft of metal from the power network is not a victimless crime, with thefts having very real consequences across the community.
Safety
- Voltage spikes can cause fires and damage to electrical appliances within the home.
- There is an electrocution risk to anyone who comes into contact with live equipment. This risk could be to the public, Northern Powergrid staff or the thieves themselves.
Customer disruption
- Power cuts bring disruption to everyday lives in homes and businesses.
- Prolonged and repeated power cuts can bring about unnecessary hardship and financial cost.
Who does metal theft affect?
Earlier in 2014, metal thieves targeted overhead lines in Teesside, in the north east of England, cutting electricity supplies to homes and businesses and risking people’s lives.
In a three week period, five separate attacks took place in the same area, resulting in more than 700 metres of power cables being taken and nearly 2,000 properties suffering loss of electricity while Northern Powergrid engineers carried out emergency repairs.
The sections of line targeted were close to the rear of a school, where thieves left power lines in an unsafe condition, and in some cases hanging close to or touching the ground, risking electrocution to anyone passing by. In the last attack, a nursing home lost power.
What are the signs of metal theft?
There are a number of ways to identify suspicious activity or signs of metal theft:
- A broken or fallen down power line.
- An open door at a substation.
- People working on the power lines without high visibility, branded safety clothing.
- People loading cable into unbranded vehicles.
- Activity around power lines during the night or early hours of the morning.
What can you do to tackle metal theft?
- Be sure to keep a safe distance from any seemingly broken equipment or anyone behaving suspiciously.
- It is very important that you do not touch any exposed cables, enter open substations or attempt to move dangling cables as they may still be live and, therefore, extremely dangerous.
- It is important that you ensure children, pets and livestock are kept away from any damaged or exposed electrical equipment.
- If you see cables that have been left dangerously or witness a theft in progress, contact Northern Powergrid’s emergency number 0800 375 675 or 0330 1230675 or the police
- You can give information on crime anonymously to us on 0800 555 111 or by using our Anonymous Online Form.
Find out more about metal theft
- We have partnered with Northern Powergrid to appeal for your help in tackling these reckless and dangerous thieves. To find out more about this important partnership, watch our film about protecting the power network.
- Find out more information about Northern Powergrid and metal theft.
Please note, up to £1,000 reward will only be paid to any person(s) who provide information concerning metal theft from the electricity power network that leads to a successful conviction.
