Network Rail is offering a £5,000 reward for information about the theft of essential cables from the railway at Mickelfield in the early hours of Monday 9 July 2007.

Thieves have been targeting the railway to steal cables which contain copper which has a high scrap value. Network Rail has been working with British Transport Police to target the thieves and prevent thefts. Measures include increased security patrols and training Network Rail staff in forensic techniques to improve conviction rates.

At approximately 01.00 on Monday 9 July thieves stole around 500metres of cable from a location at Mickelfield. However, as well as cabling containing copper they also took approximately 350 metres of fibre optic cable which have virtually no resale value but take a very long time to replace.

Dyan Crowther, Route Director, said: "The selfish and dangerous actions of these thieves have resulted in major disruption to the rail network around Leeds. We are determined to catch those responsible and are asking that anyone who has information about this theft contacts British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

"We are estimating that this one incident will cost approximately £75,000 plus staff costs, money which otherwise could have been invested into the running of the railway."

Detective Chief Inspector Danny Snee from British Transport Police (BTP) said: “After the threat of terrorism, the theft of cable is one of BTP’s biggest challenges. Those who steal cable are not just risking a prison sentence, they are risking their lives. This crime is costly to the rail industry and causes hours of delays to the thousands of passengers who rely on the rail network."

The railway operates with a failsafe system which means that all signals turn to red once a cable is cut. This means that passengers are not put at risk but it does result in lengthy delays. Thieves are risking their own lives - not only by trespassing on the railway but also by interfering with electric cables which carry high voltages.

Engineers are working to restore services - any passengers should contact national rail enquiries for the latest information - 08457 48 49 50