Police have appealed to the public for information following the theft of copper from power cables in South Devon.
There have been a number of incidents in the area, with the most recent having taken place just before 6pm on Sunday 22nd January, close to the Cadleigh Park area of Ivybridge. Police have appealed for dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen any suspicious activity or vehicles.
Other incidents have taken place around south Dartmoor, Plympton, Harscombe, Denham Bridge, Sparkwell, and the Lee Moor area.
Devon & Cornwall Police Acting Chief Inspector Steve Philp said: “These are well organised thieves who are stealing equipment for its metal value and we would appeal to anyone who is offered suspicious cables to get in touch.
“Due to the weight of the cable, we believe it would take at least two people using a pickup truck or a van.
Members of the public are reminded that staff from National Grid will always be wearing full uniform, carrying ID and be driving a marked vehicle. If you do witness individuals working on the power lines without the appropriate uniform, please call 999.”
Ashley Pillay, of National Grid in Plymouth, said: “The thieves have been cutting into live power cables which is incredibly dangerous. Those responsible are putting themselves at high risk of serious injury or even death.
Their recklessness is endangering unwitting passers-by who might not see live cables on the ground, as well as our engineers who arrive on scene, sometimes at night, to repair the damage. As a result of the last four incidents, the thieves have caused a large number of customers to lose power for up to six hours.”
Devon & Cornwall Police appeal for anyone with information to contact them via 101, or the website quoting Operation Langstone reference 50220058345. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or via the charity’s website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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