Look out for power cable thieves

Police are calling on people living in rural area like Audlem to keep a lookout for thieves stealing overhead power cables.

Fully equipped thieves are scaling telegraph poles and electricity pylons in rural locations to cut live power lines for their copper content.

Up to 500 metres of cable are stolen each time, disrupting power supplies to nearby properties.

Shropshire Police are appealing to members of the public to report anyone seen working on overhead power cables, night or day.

Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff said: "We are asking local people to contact us if they see anyone working on overhead lines or climbing telegraph poles or pylons."

"Even if they look genuine, with protective clothing and fluorescent jackets, call the police immediately on 101 so we can check them out."

It doesn't matter if they turn out to be genuine – it's important people let us know without delay."

Anyone knowing the identity of the offenders could receive a payment by passing details to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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