POLICE are hunting for thieves who stole metal cable worth thousands of pounds from a rail depot in York.

About 300 metres of cable were stolen from the depot in Leeman Road, and police say it was worth £6,000 to £8,000.

The offence happened last October. But five months of inquiries have proved fruitless and police have now released this CCTV image of a suspect, as part of a public appeal for help.

British Transport Police detectives believe two men were involved in the theft, which took place at about 3am on October 21.

It is thought they used a ladder to get on to the roof, before stealing the cable and fleeing.

Detective Constable Gary Heseltine, one of the investigating officers, said: “We have made local inquiries into the incident and followed a number of leads in a bid to identify those responsible, but to no avail so far. I am appealing for anyone with any information about the incident, or who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV image, to come forward.

“As part of our efforts to trace those responsible for cable theft we visit scrapyards in the area, as most cable thieves look for the quickest way to sell on the stolen goods – scrapyards are one such method.”

Cable thefts rose from 2006 to 2008, in line with rising copper prices. But a subsequent crash on the markets led to a reduction in offences.

Prices rose again in late 2009 though, and police say that makes cable more attractive to thieves.

Anyone with any information about the Leeman Road incident, or who recognises the man in the CCTV image, should phone British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.