Copper cabling stolen from electricity substations

West Mercia Police said the thefts risked making electrical wiring unsafe

A series of copper earthing thefts have been reported at substations in north Worcestershire, which according to authorities risks safety and raises the prospect of blackouts.

West Mercia Police said criminals had been targeting National Grid electricity distribution stations, with recent burglaries in Redditch.

The force was initially called to reports of multiple thefts at a site near The Mayfields in Redditch on 25 February.

More incidents had followed since, police said, with people targeting stations for small amounts of copper cable for sale on the black market.

These included three in Redditch at Cropthorne Close, Woodrow Shopping Centre and Smallwood Street.

West Mercia Police said it was working with colleagues at National Grid to address the matter and boost security at the sites.

Sarah Sceats, a rural and business crime officer for the force, said criminals were breaking into the locations to steal cable for the black market due to the scrap value, and asked the public to report any suspicious activity around electrical substations in the area.

She said: "As well as the criminal element, break-ins like these can leave the electrical wiring unsafe which is an obvious risk to those committing the crimes.

"The value of the cabling within the sites is comparatively low, however the repair costs are substantial.

"Our partners at National Grid Electricity Distribution are quick to repair the damage to protect the public from any potential risk or harm."

Shaun Longstaff, policy engineer at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: "We are working closely with West Mercia Police after incidents of copper cable thefts at some of our substation sites near Redditch.

"Such crimes are not only incredibly dangerous but can cause unnecessary power cuts for customers.

"Customers should always call the emergency services if they believe a crime is ongoing."

Mr Longstaff asked customers who experience a power cut or spot suspicious activity near one of the sites to phone 105 so National Grid can assist.