Metal theft – the crime wave bringing the UK to a standstill

The theft of metal from railway lines throughout the country was responsible for 6,088 hours of delays in 2010, according to National Rail, the company responsible for the UK’s rail infrastructure.

Metal is not only going missing from railway lines – thieves are stealing metal from roofs, including public libraries; playgrounds; telecoms cables; statues; front doors; and graveyards.

The crime wave, which cost Network Rail £16.5m in repairs and compensation for delays in 2010, has been attributed to the increased demand for metals, such as copper and lead, in fast-growing economies like China.

The British Transport Police said most of the thefts are small scale but that the number of thefts is significant – an estimated six per day.

Each theft from a railway line can take hours to repair. When wires are replaced, they have to be tested before trains can run again.

In addition, the thieves are taking overhead line equipment and clips that hold the rail in place.

Theft of copper cable from a section of the East Coast Main Line in West Yorkshire on one night resulted in 108 train delays, 17 hours worth of hold-ups, and £80,000 in damages.

A National Rail spokeswoman said it does not matter how much cable is taken – even a small amount, such an inch, will cause delays.

The British Transport Police said the thieves will not get much in terms of reward for their efforts, but the instant cash is attractive.

However, there have been deaths and serious injuries as a result of attempting to steal metal cables. In June 2011, a 22-year-old man suffered horrendous burns after trying to steal cable from an electricity sub-station. He was electrocuted by 22-volts.

Power supply companies have also been affected by the crime wave, with around 6,000 metal thefts in 2010 leading to power cuts and gas explosions.

“It’s an increasing problem,” says Tim Field from the Energy Network Association (ENA). He warned that thieves taking copper pipes could lead to customers being exposed to leaking gas, which could cost them their lives.

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