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The theft of copper cables from the British rail network reaches epidemic proportions

The theft of copper cables from railway network of Great Britain as to be "epidemic" and costs millions of pounds railway company to pay compensation for delays caused by hiring staff to catch thieves.

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The number of thefts of railway lines increased by 67% in a period of 12 months ending in April, 3116 incident, in the context of metals prices boom, according to data of British Transport Police, The Guardian newspaper said.

Thefts have increased further in recent weeks, and the railway company decided to introduce a new night shift.

In the Sheffield region, one of the most severely affected, railway maintenance crews came to be called for repair and eight times a night, said Steve White, an engineer responsible for signaling and telecommunications in the area.

Most thefts are authors ordinary criminals who escape small amounts of copper to sell them later collection centers. With the money, they buy drugs or alcohol, Transport Police show.

"The impact of these thefts to the network level is huge. Everyone is affected by the human resources department, which must cope with additional pressure," said White.

An incident in April near the city of Newark in Nottinghamshire County, the railway company cost £ 621,000 in compensation paid to train operators and freight carriers, after a cable cut has led to 34 cancellations of late 8074 the minite .

Economic issues underlying growth theft, but record copper prices were more attractive these crimes, notes the Guardian.

In just three years, copper has tripled quotation about 9,000 dollars per tonne, supported by strong demand of emerging countries such as China. 

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