British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after thieves stole air straps from a freight train stabled in York.
Officers are investigating after around 78 straps, which were stolen overnight, from a train that was stabled at Holgate Sidings in York, sometime between 4.30pm on Tuesday, 12 July and 8.15am on Wednesday, 13 July.
Sergeant Granville Sellers said: “Thieves cut the straps from the freight train while it was stabled overnight. Due to their size, the straps themselves are practically worthless, but the damage caused to the train to repair and replace the straps has been estimated at over £4,800.
“The straps are earth bonders which are required to protect the train should it be subject of an electrical power surge. This theft has not only caused significant financial loss to the rail company concerned, but also risked the health of employees going about their daily work.
“I would like to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or who has any information regarding this incident, to contact us.”
Sgt Sellers added: “Officers have been undertaking house to house enquiries in the area and have visited metal recyclers in the area to see if anyone has attempted to sell on the straps.”
Anyone with any information about cable theft should contact British Transport Police or Crimestoppers, where they can report the crime anonymously and could receive up to £1,000 reward if their information leads to a conviction.
