LOCALS who help clobber metal thieves will be rewarded - after ScottishPower set up a new award system.

Last week the Chronicle reported how 500 metres of copper wire were taken from two telephone poles during two separate incidents earlier this month.

And as cops warned this type of crime was on the up, the energy giants have vowed to help battle the problem.

They have set aside a record £20,000 to provide individual rewards to those who offer information from across Scotland, which directly leads to the successful conviction for theft of those involved in the offence.

Guy Jefferson, Network Operations Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “These recent thefts have been deeply concerning, and we are closely working with Police Scotland to catch those responsible. I’d urge anyone who spots suspicious behaviour near our power lines to report what they have seen to the Police. The thefts can also cause power interruptions, which are a major inconvenience. In the event of any power supply problems, the sooner they are reported to our hotline, the quicker we can respond.

“Metal theft is one of the biggest threats to the safety of the electricity network, and the impact of these crimes can be devastating. In recent years we have witnessed house fires and damaged electrical appliances in homes.

“One man died recently attempting to steal copper from an electricity pole in Lanarkshire, and others have suffered horrific burns, loss of limbs and scarring. Unfortunately it seems like the thieves don’t care about the risk to their own lives, and they certainly show no regard for the safety of neighbouring properties.

“We continue to increase our own security measures, and work closely with the Police and other industries affected by this crime. Our key objective is to operate a safe and reliable electricity network, and we hope that planned changes to legislation will help to stop these criminals who don’t care about the damage they inflict on communities.” Inspector Derek Ireland, from Cumnock Police Station, said: “This is a growing problem not only here in East Ayrshire but across Scotland, invariably in rural areas.

“I welcome what ScottishPower are doing as anything that helps detect criminals is a good thing.

“I’d urge anyone that sees anybody suspicious or sees a van, which isn’t from a utility company, parked suspiciously on a rural road then to get in touch.” Earlier this month, ScottishPower Energy Networks met with Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill MSP, to discuss the tougher sanctions against metal theft that are proposed as part of new legislation.

The new legislation will aid the efforts of Police Scotland and other agencies, who have been targeting the criminal gangs and the small band of dishonest scrap dealers for many years with a variety of specialist operations and investigations.

ScottishPower is encouraging anyone who can provide information on the recent spate of thefts to either contact the Police, or to call the company’s 24 hour hotline on 0800 092 9290. The company is willing to set aside a record £20,000 to provide individual rewards to those who offer information, which directly leads to the successful conviction for theft of those involved in the offence.