Urgent appeal to trace masked cable thieves in Swindon

Masked thieves stole £50,000 worth of copper cabling from Swindon railway station last month.

British Transport Police are seeking for the publics help in identifying who took it?

CCTV footage shows the suspects, who appear to be wearing ski masks, rolling the cable in its drum down an embankment between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Wednesday, 1 March.

The drum smashed into fencing between nearby Corporation Street and the depot, causing considerable damage.

It is thought machinery was then used to lift the cabling over the fence before being driven away.

Detective Constable Matt Grieve said: “While the men have covered their faces, CCTV footage from the area captures one of the suspects looking directly at the camera, giving us a clear view of his eyes.

“We are hoping this footage might jog someone’s memory. Do you recognise this man or were you in the area on the evening of the theft and did you see anything suspicious?

“I would like remind people cable theft is not a victimless crime; the cost to replace the cabling and repair the damage will undoubtedly be passed back to passengers in some form.

“If you have any information which might help our investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with info is asked to call BTP on 0800 405040 or text us on 61016 reference 149 of 02/03/17.

Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.