Specialist police dogs are being trained to help tackle cable theft on the East Coast Main Line, which runs through Hitchin.

The new canine recruits are joining efforts by British Transport Police (BTP), Network Rail and rail operators to protect critical railway infrastructure and reduce disruption for passengers.

Cable theft can damage signalling and power systems, potentially bringing trains to a halt and causing delays and cancellations across large sections of the network.

It means incidents elsewhere on the East Coast Main Line have the potential to affect services through Hitchin, which sits on the busy route linking London with destinations including Peterborough, York, Newcastle and Scotland.

The specialist dogs began training at a Network Rail depot in Doncaster last week.

They will be used alongside measures including targeted security patrols, CCTV, drones and forensic marking of railway assets.

The work follows a £110,000 investment announced by the East Coast Partnership – a joint initiative between Network Rail and LNER – to fund additional security patrols at key locations along the route.

Police dogs can rapidly search large areas alongside the railway, helping officers find suspected offenders, stolen materials and evidence.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Some can also be trained to detect scents associated with railway equipment and forensic marking products used on assets, potentially helping investigators trace stolen material and support prosecutions.

The dogs will take part in realistic training exercises aimed at improving responses to cable theft incidents and coordination between railway organisations.

Their presence alongside officers on patrol is also intended to act as a visible deterrent.

John Grainger, joint head of performance for Network Rail and LNER, said: "Cable theft is not a victimless crime. It can cause significant disruption for passengers and freight operators, damage infrastructure and create serious safety risks on and around the railway.

"We're committed to working closely with British Transport Police and our industry partners to prevent, detect and prosecute offenders.

"Specialist police dogs are another valuable tool in that effort, helping officers search large areas quickly, locate evidence and support investigations.

"Alongside other measures we're taking, these animals help strengthen our ability to protect the railway and keep passengers moving safely and reliably."