Copper thieves caused nine power cuts across the Midlands in a single month, risking their lives to steal from electric substations.

Electricity bosses released the figures today and condemned those responsible for having scant regard for those hit by the cuts.

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, says it is struggling to control gangs who strip copper from the stations and then sell the metal for scrap.

The rise in thefts mirrors problems experienced by West Midland churches, which are having lead stripped from roofs, and hauliers who are losing thousands of pounds a week from thefts of lorry cargoes.

Alan Raymant, director of operations and asset management at Central Networks, said: “These criminals are smashing their way into our substations and breaking vital equipment with little regard for their own lives or the huge inconvenience they’re causing.

“We’re working closely with the police and we’ve put security measures in place, including CCTV, to make life as difficult as possible for the thieves.”