New official statistics released by Network Rail show a 67 per cent drop in the total number of cable thefts over the past year, following new Conservative measures to tackle this type of crime.

The figures show that there has also been a 54 per cent reduction in disruption to passenger journeys, which means just over 3,000 fewer hours of delays to hard-working people this year compared to the previous year. This also marks a three-year low.

Welcoming the news, local Conservative MP Marcus Jones, said: ‘It is great news that the rate of metal theft is falling steeply. The disruption this menace causes to commuters across Nuneaton is unacceptable and it is right that the Government is tackling it.

‘The news that train delays caused by metal theft are reducing is especially welcome. Because Conservatives are on the side of people who want to work hard and get on in life, we are taking action to crack down on the criminals who make the morning commute a nightmare.’