Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is warning would-be thieves to keep out of substations following two break-ins in Wolverhampton.

Two substations on Cox Road and Graiseley Hill had equipment tampered with, leaving hundreds of customers without power overnight until engineers could restore supplies.


Phil Wilson, Central Networks' Customer Operations Manager, said: "Operating equipment inside a substation without knowing what you’re doing can have a disastrous result. Whoever broke in is very lucky not to have been seriously injured or even killed.

"We keep our substations fenced off and locked up for a reason. These attacks not only put lives at risk, they also inconvenience our customers when their lights go out."

(CD/GK)