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Rewards of up to ^1,000 are on offer to people who provide information about railway cable theft which results in a conviction. The renewed offer of rewards comes on the back of seven months of increasing metal prices on world markets which have resulted in a similar rise in the number of thefts of rail and cable.

Superintendent Simon Jones, of British Transport Police, said: "Cable theft is one of the biggest issues currently facing the rail industry. Each year the actions of the thieves cost Network Rail hundreds of thousands of pounds in repairs and result in countless delays and cancellations and huge associated compensation costs. This has been a particular problem in the north east of England which, since the start of 2010, has seen a marked increase in the number of thefts committed on the railway.^

During 2008 live cable offences on BTP jurisdiction rose by approximately four per cent and non-live by approximately 30 per cent (year on year), however, towards the end of the year there was a reduction in the frequency of offences as the metal prices began to fall. In 2009, there was a slow, but steady rise in the number of crimes recorded by BTP which almost directly mirrored the increase in metal prices. To date, in 2010, there has been a significant rise in the number of incidents recorded by BTP, culminating in a new record being set in April when just less than 300 incidents were reported across the country during the month.

Supt Jones added: ^BTP, in partnership with Network Rail, has developed a number of tactics to tackle cable and metal theft, including frequent visits to scrap metal dealers and the instigation of Operation Drum which has seen officers across the country specialising in the investigation of cable theft. These have yielded significant results, but now we are, once again, calling on the public to help by providing us with information about thefts and those engaged in criminal activity. There is no doubt that those involved in the theft of cable and metal will have either directly told friends and family about what they are doing or, at least, aroused suspicion amongst those closest to them. I am calling on these people to get in touch and pass on any information they have. Cable theft is far from a victimless crime and, aside from the cost to the industry, causes misery and major issues for countless people whose journeys ^ some of which could be vitally important ^ are hampered by the resulting delays and cancellations.^

Richard Lungmuss, route director for Network Rail, said: ^The theft of cable is a constant drain on our resources and cause of considerable disruption to rail services.  This is not acceptable. We are already carrying out considerable work to deter thieves and to respond to incidents quickly in order to minimise delay. I would also ask anyone with any information to report their suspicions to Crimestoppers ^ they could receive up to ^1,000 reward.^

If you have information about cable theft please contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Network Rail, in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers, is offering a reward of up to ^1,000 for information which leads to the conviction of railway cable thieves and vandals. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.