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Thieves put lives at risk

Northumbria Police

27 July 2011


Thieves who stole copper piping from a development site in Newcastle are being warned they are putting their lives at risk.
It happened overnight on Monday, July 25 into Tuesday, July 26 when a combined sewer overflow pump at the Scotswood housing development site at Armstrong Road had its high voltage copper cable dug up and part of it cut away and stolen.
The pump is used to carry water to the waterworks at Axwell Park View and it automatically activates when it's full.
Fenham and Scotswood Neighbourhood Policing Team's PC Steve Oliver, said: "It's only through pure luck that the high voltage cables were not live. If there had been a bit of rain the pump would have been active.
"If the thieves had cut through that cable when it was live they would have received serious, if not fatal, injuries. They have put their lives in danger just for the sake of a bit of metal.
"I'd urge thieves to think twice before stealing copper cables as if they are live it could have disastrous consequences. It's just not worth it."
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 for the attention of the Fenham and Scotswood Neighbourhood Policing Team, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.