Substation thieves dicing with death

CE Electric UK, which runs the electricity distribution network in Yorkshire, said the thieves risked being electrocuted when they forced entry to a site in Strickland Street and stole metal.

Peter McCormick, director of safety at CE Electric UK, said: "To the untrained and uninitiated, substations are potentially fatal and those responsible are lucky to be alive.

"Each time one of our substations is broken into up to 30,000 properties can be left without electricity.

"For some people, like those who rely on dialysis machines or oxygen concentrators, a power cut can result in serious health problems."

Anyone with information about the theft, which happened between 11am last Tuesday and 11am the following day, can call 0845 6060 222.