Police are appealing for members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour around substations in north Worcestershire following a series of copper earthing thefts.

Criminals have been targeting National Grid Electricity Distribution substations with recent burglaries in Redditch.

We were called about reports of multiple thefts at a site near The Mayfields, Mayfields Gardens, Redditch on Monday 25 February. Officers say there have been further incidents recently where criminals are targeting the stations for small amounts of copper cabling contained within for sale on the black market.

These include three in Redditch at Cropthorne Close, Woodrow Shopping Centre and Smallwood Street. 

We are working with colleagues at National Grid Electricity Distribution to address this and boost security at the sites. 

Sarah Sceats, Rural and Business Crime Officer (RABO) for north Worcestershire, said: “We are asking for the public to report any suspicious activity around electrical substations in the area following recent reports of copper earthing being stolen.

“Offenders are breaking into the locations to steal the cables for the black market due to their scrap value and we are working with National Grid Electricity Distribution to address this.

“RABOs regularly give crime prevention advice to partners and businesses about burglaries and thefts as well as carrying out spot-check visits to scrapyards to clamp down on anyone trying to sell on stolen metals such as cabling like this. 

“As well as the criminal element, break-ins like these can leave the electrical wiring unsafe which is an obvious risk to those committing the crimes.

“The value of the cabling within the sites is comparatively low, however the repair costs are substantial. 

“Our partners at National Grid Electricity Distribution are quick to repair the damage to protect the public from any potential risk or harm.”

Shaun Longstaff, Policy Engineer at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We are working closely with West Mercia Police after incidents of copper cable thefts at some of our substation sites near Redditch. Such crimes are not only incredibly dangerous but can cause unnecessary power cuts for customers.

"Customers should always call the emergency services if they believe a crime is ongoing.

"If customers have a power cut, or spot suspicious activity near one of our sites, please also call us on 105 so that we can assist. All National Grid Electricity Distribution staff fixing faults will have a clear and identifiable National Grid uniform."

Anyone with information about the copper cable thefts is asked to report it online at Report A Crime | West Mercia , quoting log number 217i of 25 February. If a crime is in progress, please call 999.

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.