Three people were arrested on Wednesday as part of Operation Chile, an investigation into the theft of cable from the railway in Merseyside.

Warrants were executed at three residential addresses and one Transit-style van in Birkenhead and Rock Ferry.

An amount of cannabis was also found at one of the addresses, a class A drug was seized at another, while a large number of cannabis plants were discovered at the third premises searched.
Two dogs were also found at this address, which were seized and handed over to the RSPCA for urgent veterinary assessment due to their condition.

One man, aged 45, from Rock Ferry, was arrested for theft of cable and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. A second man, aged 29, from Birkenhead, was arrested for theft of cable and possession of class A drug.
A third man, also aged 29 and from Birkenhead, was arrested for theft of cable, cultivation of cannabis, animal cruelty and abstracting electricity.

More than 20 officers from across BTP were involved in the operation including specialist search officers and student officers, with assistance from Merseyside Police.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Mcvey, from BTP said: “The arrests made this morning as part of Operation Chile and subsequent searches, are the result of a four month investigation into the theft of rail cable in Merseyside. The cost of the stolen cable to Network Rail is estimated to be around £16,500.

“Cable theft is a blight on the rail network and has enormous repercussions for the industry and the travelling public.

“Our investigations are ongoing and I would ask anyone with any information to contact us on 0800 405040 or text 61016 in strict confidence."