AFTER a spate of highly-dangerous electric cable thefts across south Dartmoor, police are appealing for witnesses

Offenders used an angle grinder to cut down live electricity cables, leaving loose live ends behind, five times in the last week.

One incident took place at Harscombe, near Bickleigh, and was reported by a National Grid employee on Tuesday, December 13.

Offenders also struck in Plympton area between midnight and 3.20pm on Sunday 11 December, twice at Lee Moor between 10am and 11am and 1pm and 2pm on Monday, December 12, and at Cornwood, near Ivybridge, at about 2.45pm on Thursday, December 15.

Sector Inspector Steven Philp said: ‘This process is extremely dangerous and ultimately leaves live cables lying on the ground, posing significant risk to members of the public, and indeed the offenders themselves.

‘The level of risk this offending presents is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Officers will be focusing intently on pursuing suspects and preventing further incidents.

‘I would ask the public to be extra vigilant near power lines should anyone see cable lying on the ground, and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

‘Anyone working on a power line will be wearing clearly identifiable National Grid uniform and driving a fully marked vehicle.’

If you have any information that could help with inquiries, contact police via the website at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting reference number 50220058345.