£100,000 Cable Theft Causes Major Rail Disruptions in Northern England

The theft of high-voltage railway cables has halted train services, delaying a key electrification project and impacting passengers during the holiday season.

More than £100,000 worth of high-voltage power cable was stolen from a railway line between Preston and Bolton over the Christmas period.
The stolen cables powered overhead line equipment necessary for electric trains, leading to widespread service cancellations and delays.
Train services between Chorley, Bolton, Preston, and Manchester Airport have been significantly disrupted, with limited rail replacement buses in operation.
The theft occurred just days before the line was scheduled to be energized for the first time as part of an electrification project that began in 2022.
Network Rail is collaborating with British Transport Police to enhance security and investigate the theft, while apologizing to passengers for the inconvenience.