Copper theft sparks power cuts

Thieves stripped a sub-station of copper causing a huge surge of power to local homes that damaged electrical goods and blew up televisions.

Boilers, washing machines and computers were among the household equipment wrecked in Beechdale, Walsall and hundreds of homes were then left without power.

Many families are now planning to apply for compensation. Electricity workers, housing officers, police and firefighters made door-to-door calls to offer advice or check damage to electrics after the sub-station in Newton Road was broken into on Saturday morning.

Faraday Road resident Stephanie Cowley, aged 27, has thrown out two of the family's televisions which blew up during the incident.

Miss Cowley, a hotel chamber maid, said: "I was out at work, but when my partner and the children woke up at about 9.30 Saturday morning the TVs and the washing machine were spewing smoke.

"My partner put the TVs outside straightaway and the fire crews came round later to tell everybody to switch everything off."

Newton Place residents kept warm round a makeshift fire on Saturday night after the power surge left home in part of the estate with electricity.

Sharon Ward, aged 36, of Newton Place, a leather preparer, explained: "We've been left in the dark in more ways than one. No-one came up here to speak to us or tell us what happened.

"We are really frustrated at the moment. We bought £14 worth of candles and five torches. We want to know if we're going to be compensated for any damage to our appliances and the food in the freezer which we'll have to dump."

Roads affected included Remington Road, Newton Place, Faraday Road, Stevenson Avenue and Darwin Place. The thieves were spotted by a neighbour who alerted police.

Central Networks spokeswoman Emily Highmore said customer service staff yesterday served hot drinks to residents still without power.

Power was been restored to all but one property today.

Residents needing advice or with information about the copper thefts should contact 08457 353637.