20 people arrested over railway copper thefts

Police in Liège have arrested 20 people suspected of belonging to an organised gang of copper thieves who are stealing cables from Belgian railway lines.

Nineteen tonnes of copper were seized as evidence in a series of police raids on Monday. An investigating magistrate will now decide whether to bring charges.

Cable thefts are a common occurrence on the Belgian rail network. Rail lines are a popular target because of the resale value of copper.

Since the beginning of this year, rail infrastructure operator Infrabel estimates to have lost €3 million from theft.