A spate of metal thefts in Staffordshire has meant Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the county, has called in the police.

The local force will now be stopping and questioning people seen working on power lines or electricity cables in the county after there were almost a dozen incidents on the electricity network in March, where hundreds of metres of cable were cut from wooden poles, some in broad daylight.

In one incident, thieves ripped down power lines from poles just yards from a Stoke-on-Trent primary school. The four 200m lengths of copper cabling, which were powering street lighting, were taken from Norton Lane, Stoke-on-Trent, on the morning of Sunday 9th March.


"Just because someone looks to have the right equipment for the job and is wearing the correct safety clothing, it doesn't necessarily mean they are working for the good of the public," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks

"Our job is to keep the power on and we welcome any move to stop these callous and greedy individuals who not only risk their own lives but show absolutely no thought for the distress caused to the people affected by the power cuts they cause."

Staffordshire Police is investigating all incidents. Any witnesses, or if anybody has been offered metal for sale in suspicious circumstances, is asked to call 08453 30 20 10.

(CD/JM)