Major new campaign to fight metal theft after five local incidents
Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to combat the serious problem of metal theft and is asking people to provide information on suspicious activity.
It comes after five incidents of 38kv overhead electric lines copper theft in the midlands in the last three months.
The ESB has reported thefts on May 23, May 25 and August 4, of wires along the Athlone-Ferbane connection; and on July 16 on the Tullamore-Mountmellick line and on August 4 of wires between Allenwood - Portarlington
Metal theft affects large numbers of businesses and communities across Ireland and incidents include the theft of electricity cables, copper wires, beer kegs, white electrical goods, road signs, letter boxes and goal posts.
In recent years Ireland’s electricity network, public transport and telecommunications networks have all been victims of metal theft, with gangs of organised criminals removing significant amounts of electrical cable, signal cable and copper wire.
ESB Networks, Irish Rail, Eircom, Diageo, An Post and WEEE Ireland are some of the Irish businesses affected by this problem.
Of particular concern is the ongoing theft of electrical cable from ESB Networks:
* In 2015 there have been 48 live line thefts so far.
* Approximately 140km of copper conductor has been stolen, costing €27m to replace and repair since 2012.
* At least three serious injuries and one fatality linked to metal theft.
* There have been 43 break-ins to ESB Networks substations in 2015.
* Approximately 27,000 customers lost supply as a result of these thefts and there have been 81,000 customer hours lost.
Jointly organised by Crimestoppers, an Garda Síochána and ESB Networks, this campaign is calling on members of the public and in particular those in the farming community with overhead power lines on their land to be vigilant for suspicious activity and to come forward with information.
Information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers confidential telephone service by calling 1800 25 00 25. Alternatively, information can be provided to your local Garda station or ESB Networks on 1850 372 999.