Copper overhead electricity cables are being targeted by thieves in rural areas leaving nearby residents without power.
Lincolnshire Police say there’s been a spate of incidents in recent days including two overnight on Saturday (January 26).
One is thought to have occurred at around 11pm that evening in Westhorpe Road, Gosberton.
Five ‘overhead conductors‘ were cut off and taken.
Just hours later, believed to be around 1.30am, three more were taken from Maisdyke Lane in Fleet.
Both were discovered the next morning with police notified by National Grid that afternoon.
South Holland Police put out a post on social media on Friday saying: “We have been made aware of a number of power cable thefts across the county.
“If anyone experiences a power cut during the early hours of the morning, please call National Grid as there may be a crime occurring.”
The statement included a reference to an incident on January 21, although police say on that occasion the attempt to steal the wires was not successful.
The force is currently looking into how many such incidents are being reported.
Andrew Jackson, a farmer who lives in Quadring Bank, was one of those left without power for 16 hours.
He said cables of approximately 250 metres were taken during the incident at Quadring Dyke and affected a number of nearby properties.
“I still had power at 11.50pm that night,” he said. “Luckily it was a Sunday so it didn’t effect our farm and the cold stores too much.
“The engineer I spoke to said they’d targeted a property in Market Deeping too and were getting calls about every three days.
“They were short of staff as well, as some of their extra staff were in Ireland sorting out storm damage.”
A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesman said: “We are aware of multiple incidents of cable theft in the county and are working closely with South Holland Police to assist with their investigations.
“Customers should always call the emergency services if they believe a crime is ongoing.
“If customers have a power cut, or spot suspicious activity near our overhead lines, please also call us on 105 so that we can assist.
“All National Grid Electricity Distribution staff fixing faults will have a clear and identifiable National Grid uniform.”
