Four men from Yorkshire have been charged with stealing £7,000 worth of copper cables from the Fiddler’s Ferry power station. The power station, which began operations in 1971, was fully commissioned by 1973 and operated for nearly 50 years before being decommissioned in March 2020.
The land was acquired by Peel NRE in July 2022, with plans to regenerate the site for housing and industrial use after demolition. The demolition process is already underway, with two of the four cooling towers being blown down in December last year.
The accused individuals are Sean Johnson, Daniel Holmes, John Marshall, and Colt Brown. They are charged with burglary and going equipped for burglary. Marshall also faces a charge of dangerous driving. The incident occurred on November 19 last year when they allegedly trespassed at Fiddler’s Ferry and stole the copper cables.
The stolen items included a reciprocating saw, blades, an angle grinder with discs, and a large number of batteries and spanners. Marshall is also accused of driving a Ford Transit van dangerously on Johnson’s Lane in Widnes.
The four individuals were scheduled to appear before Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. The court has not yet released the outcome of the hearing.
The theft of copper cables from industrial sites like power stations is a common occurrence due to the high value of the material. Copper theft not only causes financial losses for the owners but also poses a risk to public safety. The illegal removal of cables can disrupt essential services and potentially lead to accidents or fires.
Law enforcement agencies are working to combat copper theft by increasing security measures at industrial sites and prosecuting individuals involved in such criminal activities. It is essential for the public to report any suspicious behavior around industrial sites to prevent theft and ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure.
The case of the four men charged with stealing copper cables highlights the importance of protecting industrial sites from theft and vandalism. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, authorities can deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities and safeguard valuable resources for the community.
