The vital cabling, part of the safety equipment that ensures the thousands of volts providing electricity in homes does so without endangering residents and passers-by, has been targeted by thieves on eight occasions in the past ten days despite having minimal financial value.
If Central Networks had failed to discover the thefts at the eight substations - on Church Street, Manor Road, Wilson Road, Albert Street and at four locations along Derby Road and Lawrence Avenue - they would have become a danger to thousands of customers.
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Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: "I can't express my anger at the risks these idiots are exposing our engineers and local residents to - all for the sake of a few quid.
"Let's be clear, electricity substations are not a place to be if you don't know what you're doing, and to force your way in and then attack cables and equipment to get your hands on what you want is potentially the last thing you'll ever do.
"I'd urge anyone who knows anything to contact the police or Crimestoppers as by doing so you just might save your mate's life."
Engineers from Central Networks have repaired the damage to the substations ensuring the network remains operational and minimised the risk of power cuts due to the vandalism.
(CD/GK)
