Police have issued a statement after Manchester train services were hit by the theft of £100k worth of electrical cables. Engineers discovered that the cable was missing when they arrived to carry out work in the Lostock area of Bolton over the Christmas period.
It comes as part of work to electrify the line between Wigan and Bolton, which began in 2022. The cable provides power to the overhead line equipment, which in turn powers electric trains across the tracks. The theft was carried out just one week before the line was due to be energised for the first time, on New Year’s Day.
Manchester train services, including those to Manchester Airport, were affected. The line between Chorley and Bolton was closed for the majority of Sunday (29 December).
British Transport Police have now confirmed they are investigating. Drone patrols will be in operation at the site in the days and weeks to come as part of investigations.
British Transport Police Chief Inspector, Adam Swallow said: “Since being made aware of the theft of this high-value equipment from the engineering project at Lostock, we are working at pace to investigate the incident.
“We are appealing to anybody who witnessed the incident or any events leading up to the incident to get in touch as soon as possible. Any information could help us establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
“Anyone with any information is urged to call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting log 148 – 23.12.24”
Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s capital delivery director, said on Sunday: “I am very sorry to passengers who will be impacted by the rail closure between Chorley and Bolton on Sunday.
“It is extremely frustrating for this crime to take place so close to the energisation of the line. Our teams have been working very hard to deliver this upgrade for passengers over several years including over this Christmas period.
“We are working closely with the British Transport Police to provide additional security measures and to find and prosecute those accountable.”