Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers and partner Openreach have joined forces in an attempt to clamp down on hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cable theft that has occurred in the Doncaster area and across Humberside in recent months, with a £2,000 reward on offer from the communications company for information that leads to a conviction [1 August 2011]

The Yorkshire town is now considered a ‘hotspot’ by Openreach as the crime is affecting many of the residents that live within the area, with broadband and TV services just some of those affected following almost 60 incidents since April.

Cable theft is a crime that can affect any street; with criminals stealing copper cables that are used to provide essential phone, TV and broadband services to millions of homes throughout the UK. Just one theft can mean hundreds of houses are left without connection, causing widespread disruption to communication channels.

Dave Hunter, Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “Cable theft not only causes inconvenience to the local community, but it is also dangerous as it can impact the 999 network, phone-based telecare systems and isolate vulnerable individuals with no other means of communication.

“We hope that by working with Openreach we can stamp out this recent spate of attacks, and urge local people to come forward with information about any offences they may know about or suspect. Remember, this theft inconveniences you too as you may be left without your TV or broadband for days at a time.”

Bernie Auguste, Head of Security for Openreach said: “We are working very hard to prevent attacks in the Humberside area and to get those impacted connected again as soon as possible.  By working closely with the police, installing extra protection and increasing vigilance in the area we are reducing the number of successful attacks.  However, we really need the public’s help in identifying the perpetrators of this crime.
“We are asking for people to be particularly vigilant for unmarked vehicles and individuals that appear to be working on or near man hole covers or telephone poles, particularly at irregular hours. By working together we can send a clear message to thieves that theft will not be tolerated within the community.”

If you have any information about those committing cable theft, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our secure online form. We guarantee you will not have to give any personal details or be asked to stand up in court.

ENDS
If you require any further information please contact Media Assistant Kieran Theivam at Crimestoppers on 020 8835 3727 or email kieran.theivam@crimestoppers-uk.org.

Note to Editors

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information’ form via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
• Around 23 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 108,000 arrests and charges. Over £115 million worth of goods has been recovered and over £213 million worth of drugs has been seized.
• In 2005, Crimestoppers launched the UK’s Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 1,000 arrests to date.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers’ ‘call to action’ is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
• Crimestoppers and Openreach went into partnership in February 2011 in an attempt to tackle metal theft.      
• The reward of £2,000 is being offered by Openreach, and is based on information provided that leads to a conviction.