A EUROPE-wide day of action against metal thieves who target Britain's rail network saw two arrests in West Yorkshire.
British Transport Police (BTP) joined forces with rail police across Europe on Tuesday April 22 in a crackdown on metal thieves who steal copper cable from railway tracks and cause chaos for commuters – particularly in the Five Towns area.
Nationa
l hotspots for this type of crime includes Castleford and Knottingley, according to the BTP.
The day of activity included raids and arrests of known suspects, checks at scrap metal yards and helicopter patrols.
A 44-year-old man from Dewsbury Moor was arrested and charged with three offences of cable theft, trespass and failing to answer police bail.
A 22-year-old man from Wakefield was also arrested after suspicious activity by the railway line in Walton but was later released with no further action after a police search of his home.
A man from Sheffield was also identified, from DNA evidence, as responsible for cable theft and will be interviewed in prison, where he currently is on unrelated matters.
BTP Chief Constable Ian Johnston said: “Because of ever rising commodity prices, metal theft is now major economic crime across Europe. This concerted action across Europe is just one element in a continuing police effort.”
Anyone with information on metal theft from the railways can contact BTP on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The full article contains 239 words and appears in Ponte and Cas Express newspaper.
