Warning after British Telecom site copper theft in Aberdeenshire
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Police are appealing for information for a theft from Badentoy Industrial Estate in Portlethen.
Between 3pm on Friday, December 8 and 7am on Monday 11 the BT Open reach site on Badentoy Avenue, Portlethen was entered after the gate security was overcome.
A two wheeled yellow hydraulic drum trailer, serial number 158580105 valued at £9000 along with a 350M drum of black plastic cable housing copper (0.4mm x 1600 pairs) marked BT TELECOM worth £11,500 was stolen.
*Police Scotland have revised an earlier figure quoted for the value of the material taken.
Should anyone have any information in relation to this please contact the enquiry officer:
PC A0871 Buckley at marie.buckley@scotland.police.uk from the Stonehaven Policing Team quoting PS-20231211-0653
North East Division Crime Reduction Officer PC Mark Irvine said: "We advise businesses to look at their buildings through the eyes of a thief. "Start by looking at the grounds of the business and think about lighting, signage and fencing.
"Is there any loose objects lying about within the grounds which could be used by the thieves to help force entry to the premises?
"CCTV is a useful tool but it must be remembered that CCTV on its own is not a deterrent to criminality and should always be combined with appropriate physical security."
Local MP Andrew Bowie said: "Rural crime is a massive issue across the north-east.
"Not only is this theft brazen, it must have been a highly-organised crime.
"It shows the lengths these criminals will go to for an easy payday, copper will not be an easy thing to transport or store.
"I will be in touch with BT Openreach over any repercussions on communications coverage, if this was intended for use in ongoing projects.
"This must act as a warning to rural communities to be vigilant, as this kind of crime is on the rise and on our doorstep."
An Openreach spokesperson said: “A small number of drums of copper cable were stolen from one of our sites in Portlethen last weekend.
"There's no impact on phone or broadband in the local area, but we're asking for help.
"As our security team investigates the theft alongside the police, we'd urge anybody with information to call 101 or report to Crimestoppers."
