Fancy spending Christmas behind bars?

That’s the reality facing anyone who targets cable from the railway this festive season.

British Transport Police is working hard to tackle a rise in the number of metal thefts from the railway during the past year and will take a dim view of anyone who causes problems for the network at Christmas.

Cable theft is a direct attack on communities and all those who rely on rail travel to go about their daily lives.

Most cabling on the railway provides either power to the line or communications information to and from signal boxes.

When these cables are cut by thieves looking to steal metal it causes enormous problems for the network as the railway ceases to run and there are often lengthy delays and/or cancellations as a result.

Detective Inspector Andrea Rainey said: “Metal theft is an enormous issue for British Transport Police and we have resources dedicated to tackling this type of crime.

“At Christmas more and more people use the railway to get to and from shopping trips and Christmas parties – as well as those who use the services on a regular basis to get to and from work and other appointments.

“During the past year we have seen a stark increase in the number of thefts from the railway, but we are working hard to address the issue, and will be paying close attention to anyone who targets the railway during the Christmas period. It may be the holiday season, but there will be no rest for my officers and no leniency given to thieves.”

DI Rainey added: “Together with Network Rail, we are always exploring new ways to identify and trace cable and anyone caught during the festive season will find us lacking in Christmas spirit.

“We will use all legal means at our disposal to catch those responsible for thefts and will, where possible put criminals before the courts. This could mean cable thieves in the north west will spend much of Christmas away from their loved ones behind bars.”