Phone cable thefts still causing major disruption

Disruption for homes and businesses looks set to continue into next week after opportunist thieves stole 200m of underground phone cable in St Mark's.

More than 500 faults have been reported since the vandals struck on May 28 although up to 1,200 lines could be affected.

Homes have been cut-off from the phone and internet and some businesses say that they have been 'barely able to operate'.

The callous thieves stole the cable, which is made of valuable copper, after descending down manhole covers in St Mark's Road after the morning rush hour traffic.

A team of engineers are frantically working in round-the-clock shifts as they repair each individual phone line. Concerned residents and shop owners have been told that the latest that they will be reconnected is June 11 although many repairs have already been made.

Police are investigating. Call them on 0845 8 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 with information.

For the full story, see this Thursday's Advertiser.