Police in Barnsley and British Transport Police have joined forces to tackle cable thefts from local railway lines.

On Sunday 18 April 2010, three teenagers were arrested by officers from the Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Team after they were seen attempting to steal railway cable from the main railway line running through Bolton on Dearne – the high-speed route between Leeds and Sheffield.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage, and severe disruption to local services, could have been caused if the offenders had been successful. Attempts to steal cables from railway lines can also be life threatening due to the high voltage electricity running through them.

The men from Bolton on Dearne, two aged 17 and one aged 18-years-old, have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Matt Davies, of the British Transport Police, said: “After the threat of terrorism, the theft of cable still remains one of our biggest challenges. We have made some real inroads in driving down cable crime in and around the area.

“This has been achieved through a partnership approach to tackling the issues, proactive policing and great work in arresting and bringing cable thieves to justice.

“We are committed to reducing the number of cable crimes, and tracking down the criminals who target the railway by constantly looking for ways to stay one step ahead. We will not become complacent - we are committed to reducing offences further and locking up those responsible.”

To contact the Dearne SNT log onto www.southyorkshire.police.uk, where you can enter your postcode, or call 01709 832138. To report the theft of any copper cable you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.