A POLICE chief is warning of the dangers of stealing electrical cable following a series of incidents.

Chief Inspector Mick Williams said he is concerned that "people feel so little about their lives that they would dice with death" by tampering with electrical substations and cables.

His comments come after two incidents where copper tape was stolen from the National Grid substation in Carlton, near Stockton, in recent days.

Police also received reports of intruders on the site at 7pm on June 14. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft and later released on bail.

The three incidents are not being linked.

Chief Insp Williams said electricity at the 275,000-volt substation has the ability to jump two metres, so people trying to steal copper were putting themselves in serious danger. He has put more patrols in the area in an effort to clamp down on the problem.

"I would urge people to think twice before something tragic happens, " he said.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 01642-326326 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.