£1000 reward as police appeal to identify suspects of attempted cable theft in North Tyneside

Police investigating an attempted theft of cable from the Metro line have released an image of two men they would like to trace.
Police are appealing to identify these individualsPolice are appealing to identify these individuals
Police are appealing to identify these individuals

Commuters faced huge disruption on Friday, June 21 2019, after considerable damage was caused to cables near Palmersville Metro Station.

 

Offenders made their way onto the tracks in the early hours of the morning and cut through a power cable, before leaving the scene empty-handed.

 

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This resulted in the line between South Gosforth and Monkseaton being closed for a number of hours as engineers rectified the problem.

 

Damage caused to wiring along the Metro trackDamage caused to wiring along the Metro track
Damage caused to wiring along the Metro track

As part of their enquiries, Northumberia Police have identified two men they would like to speak to in connection with the damage. They were seen in the area at the time of the incident and could have valuable information that could assist officers.

 

Sergeant Tim Hand, of Northumbria Police’s Metro Unit, said: “We always take this type of incident very seriously and we are now asking the men pictured, or anyone who knows them, to come forward and assist with our investigation.

 

Damage caused to cable near Palmersville Metro Station.Damage caused to cable near Palmersville Metro Station.
Damage caused to cable near Palmersville Metro Station.

“I would like to reiterate the very real dangers of interfering with live cables on the tracks. Offenders are handling live wires, which can cause severe burns or potentially fatal injuries.

 

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“These types of offences can cause a huge amount of disruption to passengers, so we are eager to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

 

Concrete slabs removed to expose cableConcrete slabs removed to expose cable
Concrete slabs removed to expose cable

“We have increased patrols in the area and will continue to work with our partners at Nexus to identify those involved.”

 

Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “I urge anyone with any information to come forward. We are offering a £1,000 reward for information that leads to the thieves being caught.

 

“Cable theft causes a huge amount of disruption to our customers as it halts Metro services while we carry out repairs. Metro runs on high voltage power so anyone who attempts to cut through trackside cables risks being seriously injured or killed.”

 

The men, or anyone who recognises them, are asked to contact 101 quoting reference 416 210619 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.