Continued attacks on Thamesmead communications infrastructure, affecting broadband, prompts £20,000 reward

Our charity and Openreach, the UK’s largest phone and broadband network, are continuing to appeal for information after more attacks on the communications infrastructure in south east London.
 
The latest incident occurred on 2 September this year at New Road/Lesnes Abbey Woods, SE2. The damage has left hundreds of residential and business customers in Thamesmead without use of their phone lines, broadband and TV services.
 

Openreach engineers have worked tirelessly to restore services to those customers affected but despite working with local law enforcement agencies and deploying a number of security measures, it has unfortunately not been possible to bring the people responsible for targeting the network to justice.
 
Over a three-month period, there have been nine incidents which have left communities within Thamesmead and the surrounding area without vital services. Street furniture and parkland have also been damaged.
 
It is possible that the criminals responsible for these incidents are from outside the immediate area and may originate from either London or Kent.
 
Openreach has a partnership with our charity and has increased the reward to £20,000 for information on the cable thefts leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. If you have any information about these incidents, please contact us 100% anonymously, by calling freephone 0800 555 111 or by filling in our simple and secure anonymous online form.

“It’s shocking and sad to think that people would steal vital communications cables knowing that communities, already distressed during the isolation of a global pandemic, will suffer. 
 
“It may seem that this is a victimless crime, but the impact on communities is significant. Cable theft disrupts essential broadband services and can even impact on local emergency and vital public services. Those involved seem to care little for the consequences of their actions, which is why we are asking anyone with information on those responsible to do the right thing and speak up now.
 
“If you feel unable to speak directly to the police, then Crimestoppers is here for you 24/7. You can fill in our simple and secure online form or speak to one of our trained team members by calling freephone 0800 555 111. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always.”
 

“These incidents have really affected the local community in Thamesmead, especially at a time when people are still being encouraged to maintain social distancing. Not having access to broadband and telephony services seriously affects everyone’s ability to do things online, as well as stay in touch and check in on loved ones. Our engineering teams are working as quickly as possible to restore service following the thefts.

“We’re also working very closely with local policing teams to catch those who are responsible and are deploying additional security enhancements across the area, but we also need your help.

“Please be vigilant and if you saw anything suspicious on or around the time of the incidents, report it to the police, or if you prefer to be anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.”
 

If you have any information on this incident, please contact our charity on freephone 0800 555 111 or fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form.
 
***Information passed directly to police will not qualify for this reward. Only information passed to Crimestoppers using our untraceable anonymous online form or via our 0800 555 111 freephone number will qualify***