British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after cable was stolen from the railway between Silver Street and White Hart Lane rail stations.
In the early hours of Sunday, 20 November approximately 700 metres of live copper cable was stolen from the lines close to Bridport Road, Edmonton.
Officers are continuing their investigation into the incident which was reported to police by rail workers, shortly after 9am on Monday, 21 November.
Officers attended the scene, alongside Network Rail engineers, and conducted an area search as well as retrieving evidence for forensic analysis.
BTP’s Detective Inspector Terry Pearce, said:
“This theft has caused considerable disruption to early morning commuters.
“What thieves don’t realise is that they can be working on live cable, carrying up to 25,000 volts, which can cause extensive burns. In this incident, the thieves could have been seriously injured or even killed for their mindless efforts.”
A reward of up to £1,000 has been put up by Crimestoppers, in partnership with Network Rail, for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
DI Pearce added: “The act of stealing, or attempting to steal, cable is extremely dangerous and anyone who has any information about the incident, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area, is asked to come forward.”
Chris Curtis, Network Rail route general manager, said:
“Yet again mindless thieves have caused delays and disruption for thousands of passengers. We are working closely with the British Transport Police and would appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward.
“Cable thieves deny passengers the service they expect and deserve and, through the massive cost to the industry, deny everyone improvements to rail services. The rail industry is doing all it can to deter cable theft but we can’t do it alone.
“We believe that the only way to significantly reduce metal crime is to take away the illegal market and that more robust legislation and police powers are needed to achieve that.”
Another incident of attempted cable theft was reported to British Transport Police just after 11am on Friday, 18 November close to Barking and Dagenham Dock.
Following the incident a 46-year-old man from Romford and a 38-year-old man from Barking were charged with attempted theft of cable, going equipped to steal, and trespass.
