THIEVES stole thousands of pounds worth of overhead cables, leaving a Conington without electricity.

Residents in the High Street and School Lane area of Conington were left without power for 12 hours last Tuesday (June 19) after around 250 metres of cable was stolen at around 6.30am.

Engineers had to switch off power supplies to a further 39 customers between 8am and 9.15am to carry out repairs to damaged equipment.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: “Power supplies were restored to 27 customers at 1.15pm and to the remaining 26 at 6.35pm.

“Criminals who interfere with its equipment risk serious burns or even death. The company supports the police in their investigations which can lead to large fines and prison sentences.

“Reporting a concern could prevent a power cut or even save a life, so the company appeals to the public to inform police about any suspicious activity around the equipment which brings power to their home or business.”

A police spokesman said: “Thieves stole around 250 metres of overhead cable worth thousands of pounds. We are linking this theft with another in Great Eversden in the same night.”

Officers are also linking the theft with another in Peterborough Road, Crowland, overnight from 8pm on June 22 and 8am on June 23. All thefts are being tackled as part of Operation Magnet.

Detective Constable Rick Ware said: “It would be wrong to think of this type of crime as victimless.

“Theft of overhead cables can potentially have an impact on thousands of people by knocking out power, phone lines and internet services.

“Our aim is to work with partner agencies to catch those responsible, deter offending and disrupt those stealing the cables.

“I believe the offenders have some knowledge of what they are doing so I would urge people to report anything they believe to be suspicious.”