In the last few months overhead street lighting supply cables worth in excess of £150k have been stolen from the Rhondda Cynon Taf area by thoughtless criminals leaving residents and the travelling public at risk.
The outcome from these dangerous actions often result in the highways being left in a hazardous condition, including live wires left hanging over darkened roads which could be tripped over or even worse could electrocute a passer by.
Thieves across the County Borough are targeting copper wiring from public utilities such as lighting systems, along with steel bins, which alone is now estimated to have cost the Local Authority over £10k to replace. It is assumed that the opportunists responsible for the thefts take them to scrap yards in return for cash, which is negligible in relation to the cost to replace. It is estimated that the total scrap value of the street lighting thefts is £2k.
The Council is urging residents to be vigilant and assist the Council by coming forward with any information they may have in the hope that together we may be able to stop this..
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is asking residents to be on their guard and look out for anything suspicious. The Council or their contractors operate from clearly marked vans and would never use items such as rope or cutting machines to repair street lighting or empty bins. If you see a suspicious white or blue van or any unmarked cars or vans parked in lay-by’s or close to street lighting/steel bins, please note down the vehicle registration number and contact the Council as soon as possible.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Customer Care and Emergency Planning, said: “The money that the thieves receive is just a small percentage of what the actual street lighting costs to replace. In the current economic climate where the Council is under pressure to cut spending this is a cost that the Council will have to recover from other key front line services if it is viable to do so.
I would urge anyone who knows anything or sees anything suspicious to come forward and report the information. Thefts of this kind will not be tolerated in our County Borough and we will catch those responsible.”
If you have information about these incidents please come forward, you do not have to give your name and can remain anonymous.
If you have any information about the theft please contact South Wales Police on 101 or contact the Council on 01443 494700.
