Be vigilant appeal as cable thefts increase

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said that officers are asking residents to be “extra vigilant to cable thieves” as telephone cable continues to be stolen in the town and surrounding rural areas.

Over the last few weeks, thieves have been taking cable from the ground by removing the manholes in the street and pulling lengths of the cable out.

They have then driven off, towing the lengths of cable behind their vehicles.

The thefts have caused a great deal of disruption for residents because, in some cases, phone lines have been cut off for days following the thefts.

A police spokesman said yesterday: “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 is leading the operation targeted at cable thieves.

He 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.

“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.”

Openreach, part of the BT Group, is working in conjunction with Crimestoppers to offer a reward of up to £2,000 for information relating to cable thefts. Call 0800 555 111.