Thieves who stole 175-metres of underground cable have left 880 local homes, schools, and businesses without connection.

After Rickmansworth residents noticed their internet and/or landline connection was down earlier this week, the BT service status checker gave limited information beyond an October 11 estimated fix time.

It has now been revealed that a major theft caused the mass outage, and it has hit hundreds of broadband and phone customers.

Today (October 6), an Openreach spokesperson said: “Our network in the Rickmansworth area has been damaged by the theft of 175m of underground copper cable impacting phone and broadband service to around 880 local homes and businesses."

The theft reportedly occurred at around 5.35pm on Tuesday (October 3) in Park Road, Rickmansworth.

Openreach added: “The cable was dragged into Fortune Common where we believe the vehicle towing the cable got stuck.

"It is possible that the thieves were wearing high visibility clothing and posing as legitimate workers.”

Watford Observer: Check BT Service Status for Rickmansworth area number.Check BT Service Status for Rickmansworth area number. (Image: BT.com)

The BT owned telecom company described the theft as “really disappointing” because local people face “unacceptable disruption” and vulnerable people are put at risk by the criminal behaviour.

Although the estimated fix time has been put online, the Watford Observer has been advised there is no set timeline yet and the estimate is subject to change.

Anyone who saw a vehicle on the common with a large black cable has been asked to report the information to police by calling 101.

The spokesperson said: “Our engineering team is working hard to organise repairs and get those affected back in service as soon as possible and our security team is investigating the theft alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary.

“We’re proactively using anti-theft technology to help track stolen cable and convict criminals.”

Watford Observer: Openreach vehicle and worker.Openreach vehicle and worker. (Image: PA/Joe Giddens)

The Coach & Horses pub in The Green, Croxley Green, confirmed its telephone lines were down on Wednesday and many locals complained of having no landline.

Locals schools have also apparently been left without connection.

“We encourage anyone who is experiencing problems with their phone or broadband to contact their provider who will advise us,” Openreach added.

“It’s also worth remembering that vulnerable status (which can prioritise repair work) is determined by broadband providers; if you think you or a family member should be given this status, please register with your provider.”