RAIL company c2c has been forced to cancel more than 200 train services this year because of railway cable thefts.

Commuters on the Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street line endured more than 4,500 minutes of delays because of the thefts, which have cost the company £500,000.

Thieves have been stealing the copper cabling to sell on as scrap metal.

c2c has joined forces with British Transport Police in a campaign to put and end to the thefts.

A hi-tech helicopter is being used to patrol theft hotspots on the line.

The helicopter, owned by Network Rail, is kitted out with state-of-the-art camera equipment, including a high-powered zoom lens and infra-red facilities.

This enables officers to identify people attempting to hide. The helicopter has been flying along the entire c2c route in an attempt to catch people red-handed.

Kevin Fraser, head of operations for c2c, said: “Cable theft is a real headache for the rail industry and for passengers affected by delays it causes to their services.

“The helicopter observation project is part of an initiative to stop criminals causing damage to the railway.”

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail route director for Anglia, added: “We are reviewing a range of additional preventative measures with both c2c and the British Transport Police to help reduce these thefts.

“The helicopter observation project is just one of these new measures and will not only help us catch criminals in the act, but further reduce the impact such an offence has on train services and passenger journeys.”

Mr Hallgate also warned thieves they were putting themselves in serious danger by attempting to steal cabling.

He said: “Cable theft is a highly dangerous act, with the perpetrators putting their own lives at risk by coming into contact with live rails and electrical cables that carry up to 25,000 volts.

“The chance of surviving an electric shock of this intensity is minimal. Even if they are lucky enough to do so, they will undoubtedly be leaving with severe burns and looking forward to a hefty fine, plus possible prison time.”

c2c is also working closely with British Transport Police during on Operation Shellshock, a campaign to target other crimes that cause train delays along the route.

Crimes such as breaking windows, obstructing trains and vandalism are all targeted in the operation.

Anyone with information about cable theft, or any other railway crime, should contact the British Transport Police, on freephone 0800 405040 or, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

All calls will be treated in confidence.