Thieves risking lives to steal copper

Thieves are risking their lives stealing copper cables from local substations.

One recent theft was to blame for power cuts to businesses and homes, police have revealed.

A total of 658 customers lost power as a result of the theft of copper earthing cable from high voltage switchgear at the substation in Ridings Way, Chadderton, on Sunday, February 20, and electricity supplies to nearby Chadderton Mill were down for several hours.

At midnight the following Wednesday, a substation in Groby Street, Hathershaw, suffered the same fate.

Engineers managed to fix the cables before any homes or businesses were affected in this incident.

Chief Insp Jo Marshall, from Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham Division, said: “These break-ins clearly have an impact both on businesses who are trying to operate in a tough financial climate — but also on the community.

“We are keen to catch the people responsible and put them before the courts.

“It is also important to stress that those responsible for these crimes are putting themselves at risk as the equipment they have been stealing is part of a very dangerous electricity system.

“We want justice done but we do not want anyone to lose their life for a few hundred pounds worth of copper.”

Anyone with information about any of the thefts is asked to call officers in Oldham on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.