Police need help catching power cable thieves

The latest follows nine previous incidents

Police are appealing for information following a reported theft of copper from electricity lines in South Devon.

The latest in a spate of thefts took place just before 6pm on Sunday 22 January near the Cadleigh Park area of Ivybridge. It follows nine previous incidents starting in December and continuing into January around South Dartmoor, Plympton, Harscombe, Denham Bridge, Sparkwell and the Lee Moor area.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the Endsleigh Industrial Estate on Sunday 22 January at around 6pm who could've seen any vehicles or suspicious activity in the field opposite the Cadleigh Park entrance and exit to Endleigh. They would also like to speak to anyone with dashcam footage of the area at the time.

Acting Chief Inspector Steve Philp said: “These are well organised thieves who are stealing equipment for its metal value and we would appeal to anyone who is offered suspicious cables to get in touch.

"Due to the weight of the cable, we believe it would take at least two people using a pickup truck or a van.

"Members of the public are reminded that staff from National Grid will always be wearing full uniform, carrying ID and be driving a marked vehicle. If you do witness individuals working on the power lines without the appropriate uniform, please call 999.”

Ashley Pillay, from the National Grid in Plymouth, said: “The thieves have been cutting into live power cables which is incredibly dangerous. Those responsible are putting themselves at high risk of serious injury or even death.

"Their recklessness is endangering unwitting passers-by who might not see live cables on the ground, as well as our engineers who arrive on scene, sometimes at night, to repair the damage. As a result of the last four incidents, the thieves have caused a large number of customers to lose power for up to six hours.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting Operation Langstone reference 50220058345.