TIP-OFFS from Star readers are helping reduce the alarming number of dangerous cable thefts from electricity substations.

ScottishPower received an excellent response following the Star’s exclusive story in March, which placed St Helens as the region’s cable crime capital, ahead of Liverpool and Glasgow.

Crooks were targeting the copper in the cables, which is used to control voltage, then sell it as scrap.

In just six months there were 15 cable thefts across St Helens, with offenders often taking life threatening risks.

They were setting fire to wooden poles and cables close to where the power network passes under roads and railway lines. One such theft led to the part closure of the M62.

Such was the scale of the problem that ScottishPower took the step of offering rewards and set up a confidential hotline.

Since the hotline went live, a large number of concerned residents have passed on useful information.

Andrew Lloyd, regional network operations manager at ScottishPower, said: “We are delighted with the response from the residents of St Helens who like us want to see an end to the dangers posed to the community by those who deliberately damage electricity equipment.

“All of the information we have received has been passed to the police who will be making further enquiries.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who has been in touch and would still like to hear from anyone who spots suspicious activity on the electricity network.

“Due to the fantastic response we have received, reports of new cable thefts have also dropped substantially in the St Helens area.

“We will continue to work closely with the police and will remain vigilant in our efforts to deter this dangerous activity.”

If you want to report any suspicious behaviour call the free phone helpline on 0800 027 1950.