METAL thieves have disrupted the journeys of key workers after ripping out hundreds of metres of railway signalling cable.

Several locations in Network Rail’s North West and Central region have been targeted by thieves taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to carry out their crimes.

This has jeopardised journeys for key workers like doctors and nurses, as well as disrupting freight trains carrying thousands of tonnes of food and products to supermarkets across the country.

Engineers worked throughout the night on Saturday, March 28, to replace 300 metres of cabling ripped out of the signalling system between Alderley Edge and Crewe. This stretch of railway has been targeted 28 times in the last 12 months.

These complex repairs require railway workers to work side by side, making it impossible for them to be two metres apart and practice safe social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Andrea Graham, special project manager for route crime at Network Rail, said: “At a time of national crisis, it’s despicable that criminals are targeting the railway which is vital to keep people and goods moving.

“Network Rail is working around the clock to keep services running smoothly so key workers can keep food on the shelves, police the streets, keep essential utilities running, and get staff to and from hospitals to treat the seriously ill.

“The fact we have to then repair reckless damage caused by criminals trying to profit from the pandemic - putting our staff at risk from having to work so closely together, really beggars’ belief. “We condemn these thefts and will use the full force of the law to come down hard on those responsible.”

Organised criminal gangs are increasingly targeting metal used in infrastructure and exploiting high metal prices.

Anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour on or around the railway should report it to British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016.