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Jail for metal thieves

by msecadm4921

Two metal thieves who broke into two railway substations in Kent were jailed for a total of five-and-a-half years on Friday, March 9. Jesse Rye (32), of Crowhurst Way, Orpington, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court after pleading guilty to breaking into substations in Bearsted and Tudeley Green in September and November 2010. Cousin James Rye (37), of Okemore Gardens, Orpington, was also sentenced and jailed for two-and-a-half years for his part in the Tudeley Green Burglary in November 2010.

The first burglary took place at a substation near Bearsted on 28 September 2010 and was reported following a routine maintenance check by a Network Rail electrician, with the member of staff discovering that around 20 metres of copper earthing straps had been stolen. The second break-in, on 15 November 2010, was reported at a substation in Tudeley Green and also saw the theft of copper earthing straps, which are put in place for safety purposes.

Investigating officers from British Transport Police (BTP) viewed CCTV and circulated the images on police intelligence systems, with Jesse Rye and James Rye recognised and identified by Metropolitan Police officers, leading to their arrest.

Detective Constable Andy Devereese, the investigating officer, said after the court case: “I hope the sentences handed down to Jesse Rye and James Rye will act as a deterrent to others. In removing the earthing cable, put in place for safety reasons, they were acutely reckless, putting themselves and anyone else entering the premises at risk of serious injury, or even death through electrocution. This is a stark reminder of the risks people take in trying to steal copper and make a quick buck for themselves.

Fiona Taylor, route managing director for Network Rail in Kent, said: “This sentence is a stark reminder that metal theft on the railway is a serious crime and that those responsible face several years in prison if caught.

“Trespassing on the railway is dangerous and there is a serious risk to life, particularly when breaking into an electricity substation. We are working closely with the British Transport Police to tackle metal theft and fully support the courts in their sentencing.”

DC Devereese added: “We’re clamping down on metal thieves and with our increased use of technology and specialist operations in key hotspots, we’re arresting more metal thieves than ever before. We also conduct regular visits to scrap dealers to check for any copper which may have been sold on by thieves and aim to make life much more difficult for those who try to dispose of stolen metal.”

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