Rail cable thieves cost industry dear

Apr 1 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

CABLE thefts from the railway on the County Durham coast cost the industry £50,000 in March.

Extra officers from British Transport Police are patrolling the areas around Hartlepool, Sunderland, Darlington and Seaham following a spate of thefts of cabling used in the signal systems on the train network.

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route director, said: “The selfish and dangerous actions of these thieves have resulted in major disruption to passengers. We are determined to help catch those responsible.”

Anyone who has information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040.

There were 14 recorded incidents of theft on the Durham coast in March.

Measures to combat the thieves include increased security patrols, improved fencing, hi-tech security measures and training Network Rail staff in forensic techniques to improve conviction rates.

Ms Crowther said: “We do all we can to keep the railways running but we need the public to help us to protect and maintain their services. I am making a personal appeal to anyone who knows the people behind this crime to come forward with information.”

Detective Chief Inspector Danny Snee of British Transport Police said: “After the threat of terrorism, the theft of cable is one of BTP’s biggest challenges. Those who steal cable are not just risking a prison sentence, they are risking their lives.”

Meanwhile, off-road vandals have wrecked a £500,000 scheme to improve access to the County Durham coast at Dawdon.

The damage has been caused to a new stairway to Blast Beach at Nose’s Point – just weeks before the scheme was due to be completed.

Feature boulders have been ripped from their settings and the steps damaged by off-road vehicles driving up them.

The stairway was constructed to give safe access to the beach as part of a £500,000 access and environmental improvement project to this part of the Durham Heritage Coast.

The scheme, which was to open for the summer season, will now be delayed while the boulders and steps are repaired.

Niall Benson, Heritage Coast Officer, said: “This is absolutely senseless, criminal vandalism by those who think they have the right to drive where they want, when they want, with absolutely no concern for anyone but themselves.”