British Transport Police (BTP) officers investigating £14,000 worth of railway metal thefts in the New Tredegar area are urging members of the public to be vigilant.
An appeal is also being made for people to report any suspicious activity or individuals they may have seen recently.
Officers from BTP’s specialist metal theft team are currently investigating four separate incidents of metal theft in and around the Brithdir area.
The incidents, all of which have taken place on the Rhymney Valley line between January 2 and January 8, have seen metal valued at more than £14,000 being stolen.
Sergeant Dave Morris, who heads up the metal theft team, is appealing for local residents and businesses in the area to report any suspicious activity.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for these criminal attacks on the rail infrastructure,” he said.
“We will be carrying out directed patrols along the Rhymney Valley line, including officers patrolling on foot, in vehicles and with police dogs, to catch and deter criminals, and will link with Gwent Police to gather intelligence on suspects in the area.
“We are following a number of leads but, at this stage, I am appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information which may assist the investigation and help us prevent these crimes taking place.”
Sgt Morris added: “The irony is that the stolen items are of no real value to anyone outside the railway industry, yet the cost to replace them is extremely high. In fact, the thieves will struggle to get any money at all, as scrap metal dealers are highly unlikely to accept them.
“The act of stealing from the railway is an extremely dangerous crime which is costly to the rail industry and to the thousands of passengers who rely on the rail network.
“Technological and forensic advances are making life more and more difficult for thieves and are increasing the opportunities for BTP to detect criminals.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who may have any information to contact police.”
Any one with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident reference number B4/WCA of 11/01/2013. Alternatively, you can report crime anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.