Yet another cable theft brings rail commuter chaos

Thousands of City workers suffered major delays today after yet another theft of copper signalling cable crippled commuter rail services into London.

Thieves struck during the night at Rainham, Essex, hitting c2c services into Fenchurch Street.
Problems were escalated by a points failure on the Tube which halted Hammersmith & City line services during part of the morning peak between Plaistow and Barking.

Cable thefts - caused by high copper prices - are causing huge concern to the rail industry and British Transport Police. Robin Gisby, Network Rail managing director of network operations, said: "Cable theft is a huge issue and one which the rail industry is committed to tackling - but we can't do it alone. We need to see tougher sentences for cable thieves in the courts."