Rail passengers on the Sunderland line should have more reliable journeys as Network Rail replaces parts of the overhead line systems which were being stolen by cable thieves.
Thieves were routinely targeting the copper cables on the Sunderland line, causing massive disruption for passengers and costing the industry many thousands of pounds.
The new cables – which are fully safety tested – are not made of copper and so are worth considerably less as scrap then the old ones.
Richard Lungmuss, route director for Network Rail, said: “This is a simple but, we hope, effective measure to deter the thieves who have been attacking our systems and so allow us to deliver the reliable service that passengers deserve.
“The theft of cable is a constant drain on our resources and cause of considerable disruption to rail services. This is not acceptable. We will continue to do all we can to deter thieves and to bring those responsible to justice. I would also ask anyone with any information to report their suspicions to Crimestoppers – they could receive up to £1,000 as a reward.”
Nexus has recently used Smart Water to protect the cables on the Tyne and Wear Metro infrastructure it owns and manages on Tyneside. It is hoped that the two measures together will deter thieves from attacking the systems.
British Transport Police Detective Inspector Brian Buddo who heads the team dedicated to tackling cable theft added, “We have recently arrested and charged nine people in connection with the theft of overhead line equipment in the Sunderland area.
“Those who steal cable are not just risking a prison sentence, they are also risking serious injury and even their lives. Technological and forensic advances are increasing the opportunities for us to detect criminals and BTP will continue to work hard to catch and prosecute offenders in an effort to stamp out this problem.
“Local scrap dealers should also be aware that if they knowingly buy such stolen cable then they will be dealt with in a similarly severe manner.”