Trio jailed for motorway cable thefts

THREE men from North Solihull who risked their lives stealing motorway cables have been sent to prison.
Jamie Thompson, Michael Jensen and Michael Thorpe operated as an organised gang, recklessly removed over 2km of cable, linked to electronic signs on the M5, M6 and M42.
The desperate thefts - which could also have endangered drivers - took place over a period of a few months and left Highways England with a repair bill of more than £400,000.
Following the offences last year, police launched an investigation and uncovered forensic evidence which linked the trio to the thefts.
At Birmingham Crown Court earlier this week, the men, who had pleaded guilty to joint enterprise theft and joint enterprise criminal damage, were given custodial sentences.
Jensen, 28, of Meriden Drive, Kingshurst, and Thompson, also 28, of Barle Grove, Smith's Wood, were each sentenced to three-and-a-half years.
Thorpe, 27, of Tulip Walk, Chelmsley Wood, was handed a three year prison sentence.
Chief Insp Jed White, from the Central Motorway Police Group, said: “Our officers work tirelessly to take criminals off the road network and protect drivers using some of the busiest and safest stretches of motorway in the country.
“I am satisfied that three criminals are now behind bars. Not only did the thieves risk their own lives through electrocution when stealing the cables, they have endangered innocent motorists who rely on the important safety information the signs display.”