Delete

Three arrested for copper cable thefts that left thousands without landline

Repeated thefts of Movistar’s phone wires have left thousands of residents around the province without landline and internet connections

fernando torres

Thursday, 20 April 2017, 18:28

Compartir

Guardia Civil officers have arrested three suspects believed to have been involved in the theft of large amounts of copper cables belonging to telecommunications provider, Movistar. The news came after thousands of residents in Alhaurín de la Torre and also around Cartáma, Alhaurín el Grande, Mijas Costa and Mijas Pueblo were affected by the theft of the cables.

The thieves, who are from Malaga and have previous convictions, were caught red-handed stealing around 300 metres of overhead cables last week.

According to a Movistar spokesperson, the total length stolen by the trio over time has grown to approximately three kilometres, after the thieves systematically stole the cables each time they were replaced.

Movistar estimates that the thefts have cost the company around 17,000 euros as their customers were unable to use their services. The Guardia Civil highlighted the consequent safety risks as residents were unable to contact the emergency services.

Mayor of Alahaurín de la Torre, Joaquín Villanova, has reassured residents that police are already working hard to prevent this kind of theft.

Movistars spokesperson also confirmed that the stolen cables are being replaced, but as this is being done manually it is not possible to estimate a date by which everything will be back to normal.

According to a Movistar spokesperson, the total length stolen has accumulated to around three kilometres after the thieves systematically stole the cables each time they were replaced.

J. R, a resident in El Romeral has stated that the thefts are persistent and a very serious problem as many of those affected need the internet to do their job.

The president of the Miramar Residents Assocation, Blas Cerezo, also announced that on Tuesday the group would submit a letter to Mayor Villanova with suggestions on how to improve the security of the town and in turn lower the risk of further thefts.

Villanova has reassured residents that the town is safe as the Civil Guard are already working hard to prevent this kind of theft everyday.

On Monday, Movistars spokesperson also stated that work is being done to replace more stolen cables, but as it is being done manually it is not possible to estimate a date by which everything will have returned to normal.

Reporta un error en esta noticia

* Campos obligatorios