22/05/2019
Appalling despicable behaviour has led to horse deaths in our area.
NORTHERN POWERGRID APPEALS FOR INFORMATION AFTER HORSES KILLED FOLLOWING ATTEMPTED METAL THEFT
Northern Powergrid, the company that powers everyday life for 8 million people, is appealing for information to help catch metal thieves after four horses were killed when an 11,000 volt power line was left hanging dangerously low after an attempted theft in Redmarshall in Stockton-on-Tees.
The low hanging power lines and horses were reported by a member of the public to the electricity distributor, who delivers electricity to 3.9 million homes and businesses across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, on Sunday 9 May.
The company quickly isolated power supplies in the area causing a power cut for 84 customers.
Power was restored to 63 customers within 90 minutes by switching the power network to deliver electricity from an alternative section of the network.
A full repair was required to get the lights back on for the remaining 21 customers, who were back on after 6 hours and 45 minutes.
Rod Gardner, head of network operations at Northern Powergrid, said: "Interfering with the power network in anyway is extremely dangerous, power lines on wooden poles can carry voltages of up to 132,000 volts and coming too close or making contact is potentially fatal.
"The actions of these criminals have caused the tragic death of four animals and our thoughts are with their owner.
"Through our partnership with the charity Crimestoppers, a reward of up to £1,000 is available to anyone who has information that could lead to a conviction of the people behind this crime.
"To stay 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org and use their anonymous online form. Alternatively you can call the police on 101."
To qualify for a reward you must give information direct to Crimestoppers.
A Crimestoppers’ spokesperson said “Our charity is here to help people who would otherwise not speak up about crime. In over 30 years we’ve always kept our promise of anonymity to the millions of people who have contacted us.
“If you know who was responsible for the attempted cable theft which led to the horses deaths, please let our charity know. Together we can help protect our communities and prevent others from being harmed by the irresponsible actions of these people.”
