POLICE are appealing for information and issued a warning to the public with Scottish Power after a substation was broken into in the Ballingry area and a cable cut.

The incident took place around midnight on Thursday November 9 at the Westfield Transforming Station, off the B9097.

A 33,000 volt cable was cut, resulting in disruption to a nearby commercial property.

Inspector Gavin Cameron of Cowdenbeath Police Station said: "This was a hugely reckless act which could have impacted on the nearby communities and caused severe injury, or even death, to the perpetrator.

"We believe the intention was to steal cabling and that a vehicle, and possibly a mini digger, may have been used.

"We'd urge anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area, or has any information about this, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"If those responsible read this I would urge them to seek medical attention immediately."

Ewan McMillan, SP Energy Networks District Manager for the Fife area, said: “This is not a victimless crime.

"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.

“In the last few years we have seen cable thefts that have resulted in house fires at nearby properties. Though fortunately no homes were affected in this incident, it beggars belief that anyone could risk the safety of local people in this way."

He added: "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.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0136 of 9th November, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.