Electricity distribution company Central Networks has teamed up with Derbyshire Police and Neighbourhood Watch to launch a new initiative targeting criminals who are stealing copper from electricity substations.

This joint initiative was launched in Swadlincote and will be rolled out across the county in the coming months.

"Substations are often a draw for vandals or thieves but can also be a tempting destination for curious kids," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks.

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"Even if it's as innocent as a young boy looking to get his football back, by noticing something wrong we can help keep our communities safe.

"We have 94,000 substations across central England, this is something we take extremely seriously.

"Our Power Discovery Zone buses tour schools, educating thousands of schoolchildren every year on playing safe around the network, but our customers can help by acting as our eyes and ears."

Substation Watch recruits people living close to a substation and asks them to keep an eye on it and to report as and when a problem occurs.

Each member is given a card with the emergency telephone contact number which they are asked to keep by the phone.

(CD/JM)