Oslo thieves scoop copper train cables

Jul 10,2007 00:00 by UPI

OSLO, Norway -- Train service around Oslo, Norway, was restored Tuesday after thieves cut lengths of copper signal cable to redeem as scrap and caused a rush-hour outage.

The national NSB rail company said thousands of commuters were stranded Monday by the signal wire theft, which the company originally blamed on technical failure, Aftenposten reported.

Two unidentified men from Eastern Europe, allegedly carrying bags containing the cables, were arrested the report said.

The value of scrap copper has surged, causing a spike in such thefts elsewhere in Europe but had been relatively rare in Norway, the newspaper said.