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Cable theft halts trains between Bedford and Luton Cable theft halts trains between Bedford and Luton
(about 2 hours later)
A signalling problem caused by cable theft is causing rail disruption in Bedfordshire, First Capital Connect has said. A signalling problem caused by cable theft has been causing rail disruption in Bedfordshire, First Capital Connect has said.
It confirmed its Thameslink service has been "greatly reduced" between Bedford and Luton, and problems were likely to continue until lunchtime. It confirmed its Thameslink service has been "greatly reduced" between Bedford and Luton, and repairs may not be finished by rush hour.
It said services may be "cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised at short notice".It said services may be "cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised at short notice".
A replacement bus service is calling at stations between Bedford and Luton.A replacement bus service is calling at stations between Bedford and Luton.
Tickets are being accepted on First Capital Connect services to London Kings Cross and Moorgate.Tickets are being accepted on First Capital Connect services to London Kings Cross and Moorgate.
East Midlands Trains services are unable to call at Bedford on journeys towards London and London Midland trains on the Bedford and Bletchley line will not call at Bedford.East Midlands Trains services are unable to call at Bedford on journeys towards London and London Midland trains on the Bedford and Bletchley line will not call at Bedford.
There are now (09:00 BST) about two trains an hour running south of Flitwick but the trains are packed and the advice given confusing. 'Difficult time'
I was told replacement bus services would not be stopping at Leagrave to go to Bedford, then 10 minutes later one turned up.
The situation at Luton is much better and speaking to station staff, the advice for those travelling to London is to go to Luton because although it's a limited service, more trains are going from there.
The crucial thing is to allow extra time for your journey.
Roger Perkins from First Capital Connect apologised for what he described as a "very, very difficult time" for commuters.Roger Perkins from First Capital Connect apologised for what he described as a "very, very difficult time" for commuters.
"Last night there was deliberate criminal attempt to steal cable from an area north of Flitwick," he said."Last night there was deliberate criminal attempt to steal cable from an area north of Flitwick," he said.
"Twenty three of the 109 trains we use every morning are still trapped in sidings so we can't run any services in or out of Bedford."Twenty three of the 109 trains we use every morning are still trapped in sidings so we can't run any services in or out of Bedford.
"Network Rail is looking at the damage at the moment and working on it and the latest information is that they hope to have the problem fixed by lunchtime ." "Network Rail is looking at the damage at the moment and working on it but they are unlikely to have the line ready again before rush hour."
One commuter who had been having difficulties trying to get from St Albans to Bedford told BBC Three Counties Radio the disruption had made him realise the reality of what cable theft means. One commuter who had been having difficulties trying to get from St Albans to Bedford told BBC Three Counties Radio the disruption had made him realise the impact of cable theft.
"I really get the sense today of what it costs when cable is stolen from railway lines. The guys are doing their best in fairness, but the buses were a bit chaotic and it was a bit disorganised," he said."I really get the sense today of what it costs when cable is stolen from railway lines. The guys are doing their best in fairness, but the buses were a bit chaotic and it was a bit disorganised," he said.
A spokesperson from the British Transport Police (BTP) said it was investigating the damage which it believed had been "caused deliberately". A spokesperson from the British Transport Police said officers were investigating the damage which they believed had been "caused deliberately".
A statement read: "We will work closely with Network Rail and Bedfordshire Police in a bid to trace the offenders.A statement read: "We will work closely with Network Rail and Bedfordshire Police in a bid to trace the offenders.
"Stealing or attempting to steal cable is extremely dangerous and anyone who has information about the incident is asked to come forward.""Stealing or attempting to steal cable is extremely dangerous and anyone who has information about the incident is asked to come forward."