Reward offered after 'reckless' fire at Govan sub-station

ScottishPower is offering a £3000 reward after vandals targeted an electrical distribution substation in Govan, causing a serious fire that led to power supplies being cut from 1000 homes.

The incident took place on a week ago today on Monday evening (June 26) at around 6.30pm in the area’s Napier Drive.

The distribution box was completely destroyed by the fire which luckily did not did not spread to adjoining properties in the predominantly residential area.

Engineers from SP Energy Networks managed to reconnect homes within a few hours by switching supplies onto another part of the electricity network. This provides a temporary fix until the new distribution substation, which has already been delivered to the site, can be installed and connected.

Vandalism to electricity distribution points can often result in power loss to communities, cause fires and result in serious electric shocks to those responsible. Those carrying out such acts also risk serious injury or loss of life.

David Guthrie, SP Energy Networks District Manager for the Glasgow area, said: “This is not a victimless crime and there’s a serious threat to the public as a result. Illegal tampering with anything that links to the electricity network can be extremely dangerous and whoever was behind this vandalism clearly doesn’t care about the consequences. The location of the fire on Napier Drive is in a residential area and close to a number of homes.

“Given the time of day this incident happened, there could also have been children playing nearby. It beggars belief that anyone could risk the lives of local people in this way. We will work closely with the police to help catch those responsible, but we would also encourage anyone who has any information on those responsible to come forward.”

Inspector Kevin Lammie from Safer Communities with Greater Glasgow Police added: “Setting a deliberate fire anywhere is reckless, but to set fire to a substation which powers people's homes is irresponsible, selfish and could have seriously affected for example people who are sick or vulnerable in the area.

“This fire was also near homes and could have spread, thankfully in this case it didn't, however the potential consequences could have been very different if it was not for the quick work of the emergency services.

“Our enquiries are continuing and if anyone has information that will assist officers trace those responsible, please contact Govan Police Station via 101 quoting reference 3498/26/06.”

SP Energy Networks is also encouraging anyone who can provide information on the incident to either contact the Police through the national 101 telephone number or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or to call the company’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 092 9290.

The company is willing to pay £3000 to anyone who provides information which eventually leads to the conviction of any of those responsible