Network Rail has revealed the latest tactics it is using to stop thieves stealing metal from railway property.

Metal thieves cause major delays to trains on the West Coast main line, so Network Rail is using a covert crime-busting kit to track down metal thieves and deterring cable theft by deploying special ‘trespass beads’ that give police the information needed to irrefutably link offenders to crime scenes.

Trespass beads are tiny pellets of a unique UV-based DNA solution called SelectaDNA.

They break upon impact and are a proven and credible way to place a criminal at a crime scene without their knowledge.

When broken, the beads release a special solution released that can be detected by trained sniffer dogs and is visible under special police torches.

Its presence allows stolen metal to be found and enables those who illegally sell items to be caught.

Other methods used to deter thieves include drones and covert cameras which dissuade thieves from disruptive and unsafe activity.

Theft doesn’t only impact the running of train services, but there is also the cost of replacing stolen cable.

During the last financial year, 101 incidents were recorded across the national rail network. These caused an accumulated delay to trains 55,764 minutes and cost an estimated £4 million to the taxpayer.

However, through using these latest tactics, there has been a downward trend in cable theft on the West Coast main line between London Euston and Crewe but is still an issue.

Last year, cable theft on this route resulted in 823 minutes of delays to trains at an estimated cost of £175,000.

If anyone witnesses suspicious behaviour on or around the railway, they are asked to report the incident to British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or by text to 61016.

“Cable theft is a timely and expensive problem for the railway and it causes huge disruption to our passengers and freight services.

“To prevent it, we’re working closely with our partners at the British Transport Police and using innovative tactics like our trespass beads to help bring thieves to justice. We urge anyone who sees something suspicious on or near the railway to contact the British Transport Police.”

Jennifer Hartnett, Network Rail’s route crime and security manager for West Coast South

“We are working closely with Network Rail to deter cable theft by using police tactics. By adopting a multi-agency approach, it means we are putting ourselves in a stronger position to identify thieves and locate stolen metal.

“Our message to thieves is clear, we are aware of your activity and of the hotspots for this crime, you will be caught and brought to justice.”

Sergeant Malik Hussain for British Transport Police