Copper cable theft episodes highlight need for dedicated railway security

At the tail end of June, French media reported that 600 metres of copper cabling had been stolen overnight from tracks used by the Eurostar trains near Lille in France, resulting in cancellations and severe delays for passengers.

Five services on the London-Paris route were cancelled on Wednesday 25 June, while seven others were said to be delayed by an hour.

James Coyle, managing director of railway security specialist Land Sheriffs, has emphasised that, while such an incident is not uncommon, it does emphasise the importance of a physical security presence on the rail network.

“Cable theft happens regularly here in the UK and across Europe, with some reports suggesting that it’s actually on the rise,” stated Coyle. “Thieves cut and steal signalling cables, power lines and even security fences, all of which can bring train services to a halt. That’s why having a dedicated and visible security presence on the railway is so important for theft prevention, not to mention the swift de-escalation and management of other security issues.”

Cost to the economy

According to Network Rail, cable theft costs millions of pounds each year due to the need for its replacement, repair and the delays that result from its occurrence. When factoring-in the repercussions from those freight and passenger delays, the cost to the economy is even higher.

Land Sheriffs has outlined that CCTV certainly has its place in helping to prevent cable theft, asserting that it’s both covert and overt CCTV coverage alongside proactive mobile patrols, security guarding and continuous monitoring which will make a difference.

“Security teams will be trained to patrol the railways, with particular attention given to vulnerable areas,” observed Coyle. “They spot suspicious activity early, whether on foot or thanks to camera coverage being monitored at dedicated Control Centres, and respond quickly to prevent damage before it happens.”

Land Sheriffs is keen to emphasise that it’s not just about the significant costs and delays that arise from cable theft. The danger involved is equally relevant.

“On top of severe disruption, cable theft poses an exceptional risk of injury and even a threat to life,” asserted Coyle. “Accessing the tracks is always dangerous, as well as being illegal. Preventing this from happening is a key focus for trespass and welfare deployment. Thanks to a physical security presence and CCTV services, security personnel can deter people from trespassing and stop them from putting themselves and others at risk.”

Rail infrastructure

For its part, Land Sheriffs has operated in the rail industry for 20 years now, through time working with rail operators including Network Rail, HS1, Abellio Greater Anglia and MTR-Elizabeth Line.

“Incidents like the recent theft episode near Lille remind us all of how vulnerable rail infrastructure can be,” concluded Coyle. “However, with dedicated security services, the impact of cable theft can often be reduced, or prevented entirely, all thanks to the right planning and protection being in place. A consistent and dedicated security presence plays a key role.”

*Further information is available online at www.landsheriffs.co.uk