Cheshire Police warned people tempted to steal electrical cables for scrap metal, they could pay with their lives.
Thieves have been targeting grids, lead, lightning conductors and risking their lives trying to steal live electricity cables.
Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said: “No matter how valuable metal may be, trying to steal electricity cables can be a fatal mistake.
“These cables have thousands of volts of electricity coursing through them and could kill instantly.”
Metal theft can disrupt rail networks, telephone lines, internet services, and almost always cause insurance premiums to rise.
British Transport Police recently launched a crackdown on thefts of rail cables in the Nantwich, Crewe and Sandbach areas.
ACC Ruth Purdie added: “While we continue with our commitment to detect and deter those intent on stealing scrap metal, at the same time we want to send out a clear message that if you see a sign warning of live cables − don′t be tempted to ignore it as you could be putting your life at risk.”
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