BRITISH Transport Police have warned that cable thieves are “risking their liberty and lives”.

During the past two weeks, more than 1km of cable has been stolen from the trackside in the North West, affecting communications and signalling equipment on a number of routes.

Now the transport police has said it are stepping up its efforts in a bid to prevent further thefts and subsequent disruption.

Detective Chief Inspector Malcolm McKinnon said: “Cable theft is a major issue for BTP and the wider railway community, and as such we will be stepping up our patrols to deter prospective thieves.

“We are currently reviewing several of the incidents reported to us in the past few weeks and will be seeking to gather as much forensic evidence as possible.

“We will also be out and about visiting scrap yards in the area as most cable thieves look for the quickest way to sell on the stolen goods – scrap yards are one such method.”

DCI McKinnon added: “Cable theft not only costs the railway industry tens of thousands of pounds each year, it could also end up costing thieves their lives.

“My message to prospective thieves is simple – do not steal cable, it could cost you your liberty or your life.”

The recent rise in the thefts comes on the back of increases in the price of copper on the world markets.

During the past three years the transport police have seen a sharp rise in the number of thefts from 1,153 in 2006 to 1,956 in 2007 and 2,324 in 2008