The dangerous incidents, which have caused power cuts on each occasion, have affected thousands of people in Leyland.

Engineers at Electricity North West say the culprit cheats death each time they illegally enter the substations which connect the power network at up to 11,000 volts.

Fortunately, no serious damage has been caused but more than 3,500 residents and businesses have been affected by the power cuts and Lancashire Police is aware of the incident.

Ben Fiddler, area manager for Electricity North West, said: “These are very serious incidents, not only is it illegal to gain access to the substations, but each time the person breaks in and touches the equipment, they really do dice with death, I’m amazed they’ve not injured themselves or worse.”

The incidents, most of which have happened in the past five weeks, have happened at outdoor and indoor substations on Golden Hill Lane, Chapel Brow, Moss Lane, Station Brow and Leyland Way.

Electricity North West engineers, who operate the region’s power network, have attended each time an incident has happened to ensure power was restored to customers as quickly as possible.

“We have yellow ‘danger of death signs’ in and around substations for a reason, people must take notice,” added Fiddler.

“It hasn’t been easy for the residents of Leyland and I want to thank them for their understanding.

“I ask that they remain vigilant and if they see anything suspicious, to contact us directly on 105 and call Lancashire Police so that we can stop these incidents and disruption before someone is hurt.”

Anybody with any information regarding the break ins should call Lancashire Police and quote LC20200920-1404.

Photo- Area manager Ben Fiddler