THE PUBLIC are being urged to report suspicious behaviour around Redditch after a number of copper thefts.
Criminals have been targeting National Grid Electricity Distribution substations and three in the borough have been targeted.
Police were called about reports of multiple thefts at a site near The Mayfields, Mayfields Gardens, Redditch on February 25. Since then, there have been further incidents where criminals are targeting the stations for small amounts of copper cabling contained within for sale on the black market.
These include three in Redditch at Cropthorne Close, Woodrow Shopping Centre and Smallwood Street.
Police are working with colleagues at National Grid Electricity Distribution to address this and boost security at the sites.
‘Working together to combat the crime’
Sarah Sceats, West Mercia Police’s north Worcestershire rural and business crime officer (RABO), said: “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, National Grid Electricity Distribution policy engineer added: “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 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 copper cable thefts should visit westmercia.police.uk or call 101 to report it. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If a crime is in progress, always call 999.
