Gang Sentenced For Stealing Train Track Rails

A gang has been sentenced for stealing train track rails worth £1m including from Market Harborough and Braybrooke.

The men targeted over 100 trackside compounds, after being tipped-off where they were by a Network Rail manager.

Ricky Collins, who was in charge of upgrading the Midland Mainline, provided details of the stockpiled steel rails to members of the gang, including a scrap metal dealer.

The 40-year-old, of Basil Avenue, Armthorpe, Doncaster, has been jailed for 15 months for his involvement in the thefts after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal rail.

Sheffield Crown Court heard it was estimated the gang made £275,000 from the criminal operation, with prosecutors believing the stolen rails were then sold on to legitimate customers and businesses.

Members of the gang been handed prison sentences as well as suspended jail terms after specialists from the British Transport Police and Crown Prosecution Service brought them to court, following the thefts in 2016.

Stephane Pendered, of the CPS, said: “These were significant conspiracies to steal rail.

“Collectively, they stole on 125 occasions from Network Rail, which is partly funded by taxpayers to the tune of billions of pounds.

“The defendants were motivated by greed and showed no regard that these rails were needed for the running of essential rail services for passengers and businesses or to the obvious public safety risks caused by doing these thefts trackside.

“The CPS proceeds of crime division has commenced proceedings to recover these defendants’ ill-gotten gains.”

Network Rail say Ricky Collins left the business a few years ago.

A spokesperson added: “Metal theft causes delays and costs the railway millions of pounds that should go towards improving services.

“We work with our colleagues at the British Transport Police to protect our network from thieves and bring them to justice.

“We hope this sentencing stands as a warning to others.”