Railway cable theft is a huge problem and causes massive disruption to passengers – and sadly it’s been a particular problem in the great cities of the north.
You are probably aware that nationally we have seen a huge increase in cable theft this year of railway infrastructure and on other significant national infrastructures. This activity, as well as causing disruption to passengers, is also damaging the economy as the impact can mean that passengers are unable to get to work on time or get to their business meetings.
The rail industry has attempted to diminish the level of cable theft through the implementation of covert CCTV, burying cables, the invisible marking of cables, gluing cables in place and the use of trembler alarms. The industry has also worked with the British Transport Police and high profile media campaigns such as Crimewatch to educate people about cable theft. However, these actions are still not enough to eradicate cable theft entirely, which is why all national railway companies are supporting the initiative presented to Parliament in the week beginning 14th November to reform the outdated Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.
The significant impact of metal theft is also damaging national infrastructure such as energy, telecommunications and transport networks. It is destroying our heritage and communities through attacks on churches, public art and even war memorials.
What can you do to help?
There is a Bill before Parliament to amend the law introduced by Graham Jones MP. The Government must support this Bill. It will provide for a robust licensing regime with requirements on dealers to establish the origin of materials, greater police and Magistrate powers to close and prevent the re-opening of scrap metal dealers who do not conform to licence conditions and a cashless system for payments with requirement for proof of identity of seller and receiver.
To register your support to this Bill, simply click on the link below to access the petition and show your support.
The politicians demand that the Railways cut costs yet they do nothing to stop the theft of copper cable
This costs the country 10’s of Millions of £’s per year
Another example of political hypocrisy