Metal thefts delay 100s of trains

More than 250 trains were delayed and 54 cancelled after metal thieves stole cable from a Black Country railway station, it emerged today.

Disruption hit the railway network when thieves struck at Bescot Stadium station.

They made off with up to 65ft of cable used for communication and signalling to train drivers. London Midland was forced to use hand signalmen with flags and lamps while the damage was repaired. The raid on May 27 was the latest theft of metal from the tracks.

Network Rail said today it was doing everything possible to reduce attacks after recording 85 in the last financial year.

Spokesman Keith Lumley said cameras, police patrols and devices on the railway line were helping to detect and prevent metal thefts in the Black Country.

"It's a major issue and it would appear to be getting worse as the price of copper has gone up," he said.

The firm is trying to use fibre optic cables where it can, instead of copper ones, to deter thefts.

Mr Lumley said Network Rail had teamed up with Crimestoppers to offer a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of metal thieves or of anyone handling metal stolen from railway tracks.

The Express and Star reported last week that metal thefts are on the rise.

In parts of the Black Country, gangs are stealing old cars for their scrap metal value. St Paul's CE school in Robert Road, Tipton, was forced to close temporarily after thieves stole lead from the roof. And £2,000 of lead was taken from West Bromwich Town Hall.