Burn warning follows theft of cables
CALLOUS thieves are putting the health of local communities at risk by burning electrical cables they have stolen, police are warning.
Police say the dangers are in addition to those posed by damaging electricity or telephone supplies to local communities.
A spokesman explained: “With the current high prices of scrap metals, thieves have been stealing telephone lines from poles, as well as reels of electrical cabling from manufacturers and suppliers.
“In order to extract the valuable copper cores, the thieves set fire to the plastic insulation to burn it off.
“These fires produce thick clouds of smoke and an acrid smell that can permeate any local houses.
“In addition, the fumes are toxic, and this poses a health risk to local people – as well as to the thieves themselves.
“Effects of coming into contact with the residue or fumes from the burning can include lung irritation, cardiac problems and an increased risk of cancer.
“The risk is higher for children who come into contact with the lead and other heavy metals.
“The residues of these fires include heavy metals such as lead. Ground that is affected by burning frequently needs an extensive and expensive environmental clean-up.”
Police are asking local people to be alert and report any smoke they see that indicates burning taking place.
“Following one such report in the Dungannon area, police made arrests for a number of offences,” the spokesman added.
Anyone who comes across a site where they suspect a copper wire to have been burnt should stay away from it and immediately contact the authorities.
If you see anyone engaged in burning cables, you are urged to take a note of any vehicles and contact police on 0845 600 8000.
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Weather for Dungannon
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
