Police in Doncaster are asking residents to be extra vigilant to cable thieves in their area as BT cable continues to be stolen.
Over the last few weeks, thieves have been taking cable from the ground by removing the manholes in the street and pulling the cable out. They have then been driving, towing the lengths of cable behind their vehicles.
This is extremely dangerous and police are asking residents to be on the look out for this kind of behaviour, particularly in Stainforth and Hatfield where there has been an increase in cable thefts.
Chief Inspector Ian Bint who is leading an operation aimed at targeting cable thieves said: “Obviously this kind of behaviour is very dangerous, the cables are trailing behind the vehicles and could cause serious injury to residents living near by.
“BT employees would not drive with cable towing behind them and I want to urge the public to be vigilant to this kind of behaviour and report any suspicions immediately.”
Officers in Doncaster are working closely with BT and a number of organisations including Doncaster Council, Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) and HM Revenue & Customs in a bid to stop this issue.
Chief Inspector Ian Bint added: “Cable theft is not just a problem in Doncaster it is a national issue and people who commit these offences do not realise the disruption it causes to the services for residents in Doncaster. The thieves are putting themselves and the public at risk, and we will do everything we can to catch those responsible and put a stop to this issue.”
Anybody with information about cable thefts or to report suspicious behaviour, should contact the police on 01142 202020 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Openreach, part of BT Group is working in conjunction with Crimestoppers, to offer a reward of up to £2000, for information relating to cable thefts.