KiwiRail says vandals who try to steal its overhead wires are dicing with death.
Passenger services on the Wellington region's busiest line, the Kapiti service, were disrupted on Wednesday morning when vandals cut the overhead wires near Kenepuru.
KiwiRail spokesperson Cathie Bell says it's likely the thieves were looking for copper, but KiwiRail no longer uses copper wire, she says, because of the risk of vandalism.
She says the wires carry significant current and there is a strong chance of people being electrocuted if they cut into them.
Ms Bell says police are investigating and KiwiRail has bolstered its security.
