HUNDREDS of homes in villages close to St Neots have been left without telephone lines after metal thieves stole underground cables. About 150 metres of cable was stolen in Toseland on the road which connects the village to the A428. The theft, which took

HUNDREDS of homes in villages close to St Neots have been left without telephone lines after metal thieves stole underground cables.

About 150 metres of cable was stolen in Toseland on the road which connects the village to the A428.

The theft, which took place on Thursday, has left about 300 homes in both Toseland and Yelling without working landlines.

British Telecom was working to restore the lines.

Cambridgeshire police said extra patrols were being conducted in the villages following the theft which is believed to have happened between midnight and 6am on Thursday.

Inspector Adrian Love said: "We have police officers on the ground, the situation is in hand and BT are working to get the lines back up as quickly as possible.

"I would urge people to check on the welfare of elderly or vulnerable residents and do not hesitate to approach police officers on patrol."

INFORMATION: Anyone with information about the theft should contact the police on 0845 4564564, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.