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Friday 13 Feb 2026

Cable thief jailed after incident at Wakefield caused major disruption

Region & Route:

Eastern

A man has been jailed for 20 months after stealing railway cable in Wakefield – causing significant disruption which cost the rail industry £57,000.

On Monday 19 May, 2025, police were called to Oakenshaw Junction after reports of someone stealing cable near the railway. When officers arrived, they found Andrew Holland close to the trackside in front of a large fire, believed to be burning railway cable.

Holland was arrested at the scene. A search found he was carrying a box cutter, which he admitted using to strip cable, and a blow torch was found nearby. During interview he admitted stealing the cable.

Holland, 38, of Denmark Street, Wakefield, admitted theft and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on 30 January to 20 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187.

The incident led to extensive disruption, with the total loss value reaching £57,000. This figure includes compensation for train delays, the value of stolen cable, labour costs, and the costs of replacing damaged materials.

Olga Barannikova, Network Rail area customer service & performance manager, said:

“Cable theft is incredibly dangerous and causes huge disruption for passengers and freight. We welcome this outcome at court and will continue to work closely with British Transport Police to crack down on this criminal activity and keep the railway safe and running reliably.”

PC Matthew Biggs, investigating officer, said:

“Cable theft is not a victimless crime. The incident at Wakefield led to major disruption and significant financial cost, but beyond that these crimes endanger the lives of offenders, railway staff and passengers. The electricity in railway infrastructure is powerful enough to kill or cause life‑changing injuries, and nothing is worth that risk. This sentencing reflects how serious the consequences are.

“We continue to work closely with Network Rail to reduce cable theft through targeted patrols, surveillance and enforcement activity across the network. We’re supported by extensive CCTV coverage, and we’re on duty around the clock to protect the railway and those who rely on it. I would urge the public to report anything suspicious by texting us on 61016.”

British Transport Police continue to work with Network Rail to reduce cable theft across the network through patrols, surveillance and targeted enforcement activity.