Thieves in Kent are risking their own lives to steal metal cables.

Police are warning would-be cable thieves they could die if they try to swipe lead or copper from live electrical or telephone cables.

It comes as they carry out a major county-wide operation to crack down on the increase in metal thefts.

The campaign, which has seen a number of arrests, involves officers checking scrap yards, targeting known offenders and offering crime prevention advice to businesses.

It has also been revealed the county is the fourth worst in the country for such crimes.

Superintendent Adrian Futers said: "Due to the increasing price of metal in the world markets, 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 metal cable and we will continue to crack down on what is largely a very thoughtless and reckless crime for a comparatively small amount of money."

He said people had already died or been seriously injured stealing metal.

Such thefts could also lead to phone and water supplies being affected, schools being forced to close if they have no power and hospitals struggling to cope with both emergency and non-emergency cases.

Luke Beeson, BT’s general manager, said: "The county of Kent is the fourth worst area in the country for malicious damage to the telecoms network caused by cable thieves.

"Many vital services are delivered over our network and the selfish gains made by these criminals are nothing compared to the impact and inconvenience caused by the loss of service to the people of Kent, particularly the elderly and vulnerable for whom a telephone is a lifeline."

Nick Rogers, head of health and safety at UK Power Networks, said criminals who interfered with their equipment risked serious burns or even death.

He added: "We support the police in their investigations which can lead to large fines and prison sentences.

"Reporting a concern could prevent a power cut or even save a life."

Anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously around the electricity distribution network should call UK Power Networks on 0800 783 8866.

If you know of metal thieves operating in your area call Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.