METAL thieves attempted to steal hundreds of metres of underground cable at two locations in Huntingdonshire last week. The attempts took place overnight on Monday – the first on the A141 at the junction with the B1040 at Warboys, and the second at Paxto

METAL thieves attempted to steal hundreds of metres of underground cable at two locations in Huntingdonshire last week.

The attempts took place overnight on Monday - the first on the A141 at the junction with the B1040 at Warboys, and the second at Paxton Hill, between Great Paxton and St Neots.

Police said on both occasions manhole covers were lifted and cables were cut, but the thieves left empty-handed. Officers believe the thieves may have been disturbed.

However, the damage caused to cables at Warboys left a nearby industrial estate, and properties along the B1040, without telephone lines.

Officers are also investigating the theft of 500 metres of underground cable from near the A428 at St Neots overnight on November 22-23.

Metal thefts have been running at around £500,000 a month in Cambridgeshire, with churches and schools particularly targeted. Phones to 800 homes and businesses in the Alconbury area were cut off two months ago when thieves tried to steal 100 metres of underground copper cable.

INFORMATION: Contact Pc Wise on 0845 456 4564.