Reporting cable theft

1. Prevention
We’re developing new ways to make it harder for thieves and vandals to attack our network. This is cutting the risk of problems with the phone, broadband and TV services we provide.

Along with making our cabinets and boxes secure, the whole of our network is alarmed and monitored 24hrs a day. This tells the police if anyone cuts our cables illegally. We’ve also upgraded the security of our cable stores, including putting in extra CCTV coverage in all Openreach and BT buildings.

2. Engagement and intelligence
We’ve invested in research to help us understand exactly what we’re up against, and the best ways to combat it.

Working closely with the police, we’ve developed intelligence-led approaches to help us crack down on organised gangs and secure the parts of our network most likely to be targeted for attack.

Our metal theft taskforce includes people from Openreach and BT Group security investigations. It’s helped secure several arrests since it was created.

We’ve also been using the media to raise awareness about the issue among other agencies and the general public – because we’re not the only industry targeted by metal thieves. As a result, we’re working together with the National Crime Agency, British Transport Police, Network Rail and the energy sectors.

3. Reducing the market for stolen goods
We’ve run campaigns across the country to let the public know that when our network goes down, it might be because of criminal activity rather than a fault. And we’ve worked closely with Government agencies to change legislation relating to the Scrap Metal Recyclers Act.

Since we teamed up with Crimestoppers in April 2011, we’ve worked to raise public awareness, increase vigilance and encourage people to report anything that helps protect the network. We’re pleased to say this has helped us get several convictions.