AFTER the latest instance of telephone cable theft, which is taking on plague-like proportions with many incidents reported in rural areas of the borough, police are appealing for information after cable was stolen in Tilbury.

Officers were called to Fort Road shortly before 12.20am yesterday (Sunday 21 July) to reports of three men attempting to steal cable.

It was reported the men had opened up a manhole and were trying to get cables out.

The men are described as all wearing baseball caps, with one wearing a hoodie and gloves.

Officers attended the scene but could not locate anyone and the force has since established an amount of copper cable has been taken.

Local services were hit by the subsequent outage, with East Tilbury once again badly hit by the lack of connectivity. The village has been targeted several times, prompting a call for action by local councillor Fraser Massey.

Detective Inspector Leanne Ford said: "Cable thefts can have a big impact on the community as it means you might not have access to things like the internet if they're damaged or taken.

"This took place early in the morning but if you live near the area please check any CCTV or doorbell cameras you may have.

"We're particularly interested in identifying and locating a dark-coloured Ford Transit van seen in the area at the time."

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/111103/24.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."