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.

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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)