An attempted theft of underground cables left more than 300 homes and businesses in Bushey without a phoneline.

Carmen Phillips, who owns the family-run business Matthew Aerial and Satellite Systems in Glencoe Road, said they lost their service.

Ms Phillips, said: "Our business relys heavily on the phones working. This is our busiest time of the year, the phones are usually red hot with Christmas coming up and we are losing business because of this.

"We have been here for 45 years and we rely on word of mouth. If customer can't get through to us in the first place, they won't recommend us." 

Engineers worked to locate and repair the cables last week.

BT spokesperson, Paul Hayward said: "Network security is of paramount importance to us, and BT uses many security measures in the fight against cable theft, including RABIT technology that alerts police within minutes of a cable being cut, anywhere in the UK, and SmartWater, the invisible paint that tags thieves."

BT are working with Crimestoppers and offering up to £1,000 in reward for any information they receive regarding the thefts that leads to an arrest, and a subsequent successful conviction.

Anyone with information should call 0800 555 111.