Technology to tackle cable thefts

The Microdrone is the size of a dustbin lid

The latest weapon against cable theft from railways across the north-east of England has been unveiled by British Transport Police (BTP).

The Microdrone is a remote controlled helicopter which hovers above railway lines and beams video footage back to operators on the ground.

In addition, it can squirt offenders with Smartwater security solution so they can be identified by police.

Scrap metal dealers are also being targeted during the national campaign.

Officers from Operation Drum, will visit scrap metal yards to check the books and inform proprietors of the crackdown and consequences of handling stolen goods.

The device gives a bird's eye view of railway lines

Det Insp Danny Snee, head of Operation Drum in the North East, said: "The Microdrone will assist in covering large stretches of the railway to monitor criminal activity.

"Its use will mean that we can police even more sections of the rail network in addition to regular patrols and other tactics that we adopt to disrupt cable thieves."

He added that 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."

Dyan Crowther, route director for Network Rail, said: "Sadly the theft of cable from the railways remains a serious and pressing issue for us.

"Anything which can help us to catch the thieves who are causing millions of pounds worth of disruption to the region's economy is to be welcomed."