RURAL areas of East Ayrshire have been targeted by crooks who have embarked on a spree of dangerous power line thefts this summer.

These have contributed to a total of 20 incidents in the whole of Ayrshire since May, which is more than the rest of Scotland put together, but the immediate consequences are normally power interruptions for more homes and businesses, while the criminals put themselves in danger by their actions.

Overhead lines near New Cumnock and Mauchline are among those damaged in the death-defying crimewave as the thieves increasingly take major risks that could lead to death or serious injury by cutting down live power lines that can carry up to 11,000 volts of electricity. Their actions could also potentially cause fires in nearby properties.

Now with the lighter evenings and improving weather conditions, criminal gangs have been active across most parts of the Scottish Power (SP) Energy Networks area, which covers all of Central and Southern Scotland, with local police divisions working closely with the power company, and courts taking the matter very seriously.

One man was hospitalised after suffering serious burns following an attempted theft in Edinburgh, while a 54 year-old man was sentenced to eight months in prison following an attempted theft in Fife. He was seriously injured when he tried to cut through a live 11,000 volt cable, and the attempted theft caused a major power cut and damage worth £60,000.

Guy Jefferson, Distribution Network Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “The criminal gangs are out of control, and it is only a matter of time before we see a fatality. In the last month we have seen one man taken to hospital with serious burns, and it could easily have been even worse. One wrong move in the vicinity of 11,000 volts of electricity can result in instant death.

“What is more concerning is the total disregard that these gangs show for general members of the public. They are all too aware that their actions can result in power cuts and even house fires to nearby homes, but they couldn’t care less about the harm they cause.

“We are working closely with Police Scotland across our network area, with a number of positive leads being investigated. We would also encourage residents to report any suspicious behaviour they see near our power lines. Our emergency phone line is open 24-hours a day, and we are happy to pay up to £10,000 for information that leads to a conviction.” Anyone who can provide information on the recent spate of incidents is being encouraged to either contact the Police, or to call the company’s 24 hour hotline on 0800 092 9290. SP Energy Networks is willing to pay rewards of up to £10,000 to members of the public who provide information which directly leads to a successful conviction against those involved in the thefts.

As well as the 20 incidents in Ayrshire, there have been six in Lanarkshire, five in Central/Fife, four in Edinburgh and the Borders, three in Glasgow, and two in Dumfries and Galloway.