A recent spate of thefts across County Durham is putting motorists’ lives at risk. Thieves have repeatedly targeted temporary traffic management systems across the county, including those in Etherley Lane, operated by the County Council’s contractor, Premier Traffic Management. They steal the batteries operating the lights leaving Durham County Council Highway sites without any safe traffic management.
County Council Highways Operations Manager, Mark Readman, says the situation is extremely serious, “Over the last three months over 100 batteries have been stolen from sites. Not only has this cost the contractor £10,000 but frankly, these thieves are putting motorists’ lives at risk.
“The batteries have very limited alternative uses too. They really are specialist batteries for these systems.”
Cabinet Member for Strategic Environment, Cllr Bob Young, is asking residents to help, he said, “We take a great deal of pride at the new Unitary Authority in providing first class services. These reckless actions are jeopardising people’s safety and could result in a serious accident.
“I would ask anyone with any information about this to let the police know.”
Motorists are asked to report any suspicious activities to the police as a matter of urgency by contacting Durham Police on 0345 60 60 365 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Official vehicles will have Premier Traffic Management or Durham County Council branding. The locations that these thefts have arisen more recently are:- Evenwood / Cockfield, Coundon Gate, Etherley Lane, Middridge, Gainford, Cassop and Brancepeth.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
