How a £140 cable delayed 160 Leeds trains

British Transport Police appealed for witnesses after the cable was stolen from the rail line in Crossgates, Leeds last week.

Pc Linda Rix said: “BTP received reports from rail staff of circuit failure. Officers and engineers attended the scene, and discovered cable had been cut and taken from the line.

“After an investigation, the stolen cable was established to be worth approximately £140 to the thieves. As a result of the theft, 160 trains were affected causing 2,955 minutes of delays, costing the rail industry £46,560.

“Forensic teams analysed cable ends, which were found discarded close to the area, and police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.”

Chief Inspector Derek O’Mara, of BTP’s dedicated cable squad, Operation Leopard, said: “The risks these thieves took for just £140 in their pocket is astonishing. It had a massive impact to train services and the rail industry to rectify and amend the damage caused, as well as delaying thousands of passengers - many of whom may have been travelling to important appointments.

“What thieves don’t realise is that they are working on live cable, carrying up to 25,000 volts, which can cause extensive burns. They could have been seriously injured or even killed for their mindless efforts.

“The act of stealing, or attempting to steal, cable is extremely dangerous and anyone who has any information about the incident, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area is asked to come forward.”

Warrick Dent, area general manager for Network Rail, said: “Once again our railway has come under serious attack from thieves bringing misery to thousands of passengers. Our engineers worked to resume services as quickly as possible and we will be working with British Transport Police to catch those responsible.

“Cable theft is a serious issue - disrupting and delaying both passengers and essential freight deliveries. We will look for the courts to reflect the misery caused by these individuals when they are caught and brought for sentencing.”

A spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: “Once again passengers have been disrupted by criminals whose thoughtless actions are causing significant numbers of delays and cancellations every week.

“The rail industry is working hard to tackle the organised gangs and opportunist thieves who are causing the problems. To deal with the problem more effectively, we need tougher sentences and tighter regulation on the sale of scrap metal.”

• Trains around Leeds were hit by another series of delays yesterday. Rail chiefs blamed a broken-down train and then “signalling problems” for delays and cancellations on the Wharfedale line between Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley during both morning and evening rush hours. Several trains were replaced by buses and others delayed by 40 minutes.