From the British Transport Police
press release:
POLICE RELEASE CCTV AFTER CABLE THEFT ^ NEWPORT
British Transport Police (BTP▸ ) officers investigating the theft of ^8,000 worth of railway cable in Newport have released a CCTV image of a woman they would like to trace in connection with the incident.
A total of 150 metres of signalling cable was stolen from the Gaer Vale area of the city in two separate attacks on the rail network.
The first incident was reported to BTP on Sunday, 18 September 2011, where around 50 metres of cable was stolen. In the second incident, which took place overnight on Monday, 19 September 2011, thieves made off with 100 metres of cable.
Welsh Crime Team officers have already arrested and bailed six people as part of the investigation, and they have now released a CCTV image of a woman they believe may have information about the purchase of a hacksaw believed to have been used in the theft.
Detective Inspector Mark Cleland, the regional metal theft lead, said: ^A hacksaw was seized from the scene of the theft which matches one sold at the Homebase store at Harlech Retail Park in Newport.
^Having conducted house to house inquiries and spoken to a number of witnesses, we have identified a woman we would like to speak to in connection with the purchase of this hacksaw. I would urge anyone who recognises this woman, or who has any information in relation to this investigation, to come forward.^
DI Cleland added: ^The theft of this cable resulted in substantial delays to rail services and disruption to passengers. Cable theft is a crime which attracts strong penalties, including imprisonment. Trespassing on the line can also result in charges of endangering safety and obstructing the railways, which can carry a sentence of life imprisonment. Those who steal cable are not only risking a prison sentence, they are risking their lives ^ and often for relatively small gains.^
Over the past three years, cable theft has cost the rail industry ^43 million, delaying trains for a total of more than 16,000 hours.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to ^1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any cable thieves.
Edit note: Images now removed due to expiry of copyright permission. CfN
