An energy provider is offering a £10,000 reward for information as part of a crackdown on metal theft at electricity substations.

Cheshire Police is working in partnership with Scottish Power to tackle thefts at electricity substations across Cheshire following an increase in incidents.

Over the past 12 months Cheshire Constabulary has seen more than 100 incidents in Widnes, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Warrington and Kelsall this year, compared to 39 last year.

Unauthorised access to substations can often result in power loss to communities, cause fires and result in serious electric shocks.

Insecure substations can also be extremely dangerous for children and can result in death if entered.

Scottish Power is issuing a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

The damage caused by a fire at a Widnes substation which was the result of a metal theft incident.
The damage caused by a fire at a Widnes substation which was the result of a metal theft incident.

Chief Inspector Richard Rees from Cheshire Police said: “Criminals who commit metal theft not only risk their own lives, but also the lives of other members of the public.

“They also put at risk the lives of members of the emergency services who are left to deal with the repercussions of such crimes.

“Metal theft from electricity substations also has a major impact on our local communities, not only can they result in power cuts, but in the long term it also leads to increased utility bills for innocent members of the public.”

Stephen Stewart, Scottish Power Energy Networks Director, said: “This is not a victimless crime and there’s a serious threat to the public as a result.

“Insecure substations can be extremely dangerous to anyone who enters them.

“These substations are in residential areas and those behind these thefts clearly don’t care about the consequences.

“Our biggest fear is that children out playing wander in.

The damage caused by a fire at a Widnes substation which was the result of a metal theft incident.
The damage caused by a fire at a Widnes substation which was the result of a metal theft incident.

“Metal theft is also one of the biggest threats to the safety of the electricity network, and the impact of these crimes can be devastating.

“As well as major power cuts that have inconvenienced thousands of families, we have experienced house fires and damaged electrical appliances in homes following haphazard thefts of our cables.

“Unfortunately it seems like the thieves don’t care about the risk to their own lives, and they certainly show no regard for the safety of neighbouring properties.”

Chief Inspector Richard Rees added: “Information from the public is vital and I urge anyone with any information in relation to metal theft and thefts from substations to contact Cheshire Police on 101.

“Not only could you be rewarded with £10,000 if the information you provide leads to a conviction, but you can also help to ensure the people responsible are brought to justice.”

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.