POLICE in Maidstone are warning would-be thieves to think again if they are thinking of trying to steal copper from cables.

Dan Clegg, police media and communications officer for the mid-Kent area, said: "Many of these cables are live and anyone attempting to steal copper from them could potentially be putting themselves at a very heightened risk."

The warning follows an incident between 2pm on Wednesday, August 2 and 6am on Thursday August 3. An attempt was made to steal copper from a live cable at a pumping station in the village Yalding.

The thick cable, which had been partly pulled from its connection, would have caused a large bang and may well have caused serious injuries to the persons attempting to remove it.

The cable was left in a very dangerous condition. However, no copper was believed to have been taken.

Supt Steve Corbishley, deputy commander for Mid Kent Police, said: “Due to the increasing price of copper, we are aware that this is becoming a serious issue in Kent.

"Many of these thieves are opportunists and will regrettably put the price of metal way ahead of their own safety.

"We would like to warn anyone thinking of trying this in the future that they are endangering their lives in committing this sort of crime.

"We have already made a number of arrests for the theft of copper and we will continue to crack down on what is largely a very thoughtless and reckless crime, all for a comparatively small amount of money.”

Anyone with any knowledge of copper thieves operating in the area are asked to call Maidstone Police Station on 01622 604180 or call Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.