High voltage cable theft worth £100,000 disrupts train services
- More than £100,000 worth of high-voltage cable was stolen in Bolton over Christmas, disrupting train services.
- Network Rail and British Transport Police are collaborating to improve security measures and investigate the crime.
- The theft resulted in significant travel chaos, particularly affecting services to Manchester Airport and other major routes.
In the UK, significant travel disruption has occurred due to the theft of high-voltage railway cables. The incident took place over the Christmas period, particularly affecting services on the line between Chorley and Bolton. Engineers discovered that cables worth over £100,000 were missing when they arrived for scheduled routine work. This theft was particularly damaging as it occurred just one week before the line was scheduled for electrification on New Year's Day, making it a priority to rectify the situation quickly. The stolen cables provide essential power to the overhead lines necessary for electric train operations. Network Rail has acknowledged the severity of the situation, with officials expressing regrets to the passengers impacted by the closure. Christian Irwin, Network Rail's capital delivery director, indicated the disruption is particularly disappointing given the elapsed time and effort placed into upgrading this section of the rail line. He noted that their teams have been working diligently over several years, including during the holiday season, to modernize the travel infrastructure in Greater Manchester. The theft has prompted Network Rail to liaise closely with the British Transport Police to enhance security measures and pursue legal actions against the culprits behind the audacious crime. The ramifications of the theft extend beyond the immediate disruption; the railway line is a vital transit route connecting west Lancashire to Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. Passengers hoping to journey to the airport or between major cities, such as Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, have faced significant delays and cancellations. Authorities emphasized the importance of keeping informed about travel plans as limited replacement bus services were offered to accommodate shortfalls in train operations. Furthermore, the persistent issues within the rail industry, including crew shortages, have compounded the operational challenges faced by train operators during this festive travel period. This incident brings attention to the growing concerns regarding security within railway operations as the network experiences 'constant travel chaos' due to other systemic issues. As passengers head into a new year, the expectation is that improved operational performance will be prioritized alongside the ongoing investigations into this crime. The urgent focus is on rectifying the immediate consequences of the theft while addressing broader issues that plague the rail system.