The theft of metal is a big problem for the railway. Unfortunately, it is a growing concern. According to sources in the UK, thieves are targeting signalling cables, overhead power lines and even metal fences to sell for scrap. While there are justified concerns over concerted criminality, the actions of individuals are proving just as disruptive.
The design of Britain’s rail network ensures that it fails safely. When a cable is cut, trains come to a standstill. This approach protects users of the network, but it can cause lengthy, costly and frustrating delays while the problem is located and safely fixed. Since a large proportion of railway funding is underwritten by the UK Government, these thefts are, ultimately, costing taxpayers money.
Caught in the act
Wakefield, apart from being a critical north-south and east-west crossover on the British network, is also a hub for freight operations in the North of England. The city is host to two major passenger stations and a busy open access intermodal freight hub, managed by Maritime Transport and serving clients across the region. Earlier this year, a man was jailed for twenty months after stealing railway cable in Wakefield. His criminal activity cost the rail industry £57,000 (around €67,000).
Andrew Holland, who might be accurately described as a West Yorkshire crime underlord, was apprehended by British Transport Police, the specialist constabulary for the railway network, after reports that Holland was attending a large lineside fire, brazenly burning off plastic sheathing from copper wires he had stripped from signalling and communications lines. The extensive disruption of a lineside fire is bad enough – just ask network users in Bradford – but to add to that with communication and signalling equipment being destroyed, and the costs soon mount up.
Inflaming the situation
Holland was arrested at the scene. A search found he was carrying a box cutter, which he admitted using to strip cable, and a blow torch was found nearby. During a police interview, he admitted stealing the cable. The additional implications of setting a lineside fire are obvious. Given the current tinderbox-dry conditions across much of Great Britain, the additional burden of policing wilful fire-raising is obvious.
“Cable theft is not a victimless crime,” warned BTP investigating officer Matthew Biggs. “The incident at Wakefield led to major disruption and significant financial cost. This sentencing reflects how serious the consequences are. We continue to work closely with Network Rail. We’re on duty around the clock to protect the railway and those who rely on it. BTP has a UK text hotline for the public to report anything suspicious on 61016.
Freight delays
The issue, however, is not confined to the UK, nor to the railway industry. In a report last month, the Financial Times of London reported that a global surge in copper theft, particularly affecting the telecoms and railway industries, was prompted by high commodity prices. That was tempting organised crime to target the metal in power and telecoms lines globally.
“Cable theft costs us millions of pounds each year,” said Network Rail in a statement. The total cost to the economy – taking into account the impact of freight delays to power stations and supermarkets, and on passengers who miss appointments or have their day ruined – is even higher.”