Cable stolen from railway line in Winchfield, Hampshire

British Transport Police are appealing for information after cable was stolen from a railway line in the Winchfield area of Hampshire.

The theft was discovered by a Network Rail engineering team and is suspected to have taken place over the past week.

18 cables, each around two feet long, had been taken, along with five other types of cable, making 23 in total.

Officers are currently making enquiries into the incident, which will include checks with local scrap dealers, and particularly want to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area.

BTP Chief Inspector Alison Evans said: “As a result of this selfish act, thousands of passengers this morning had their journey disrupted, at great personal and economic cost to the area.

“At present it isn’t entirely clear exactly when this theft took place, but what we do know is that the repairs required as a result led to disruption to a large number of services.

“We’ve launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances and are appealing for anyone with information to contact us.

“Stealing or attempting to steal cable is extremely dangerous and those who do are not just risking a court appearance, they’re risking their lives.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers, in partnership with Network Rail, is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any cable thieves.