Copper cabling which brings internet and telephone services to towns and villages in Hertfordshire has been stolen for the third time this month.

Sarratt was plunged into a technological dark age on September 15, after 250 meters of cable was stolen from a man hole in Chipperfield, affecting residents, charities and businesses which rely on the internet.

The damage was repaired by BT, but some time between yesterday evening and this morning, more cables from a "very similar location" were stolen, leaving Sarratt without phone or internet for the second time this month.

BT has received more than 70 complaints associated with today's loss of service.

Anne Faulkner, from The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Foundation, based in The Briars, said she was told the repairs would take until Monday.

She added: “We were trying to arrange a consultation between ourselves and our research scientists. We feel a bit desperate.

“We thought this might happen again because it's happened all over the country. It's not just businesses or charities which suffer, it's people too.

“Imagine if you had a heart condition and had to get in touch with a carer or an ambulance? these people don't seem to care.”

John Griffith, a social media consultant, lost hundreds of pounds due to being unable to work.

He said: “He said: “I work mostly from home and everything I do is on the internet, as are my clients.

“I lost all day Friday and had to travel into London on Monday to get connected in another office, the actual loss is £500 plus, and with the hassle factor, much more.

Between Sunday and Monday, 300 meters of cable was stolen from Shenley Hill, Radlett, causing a loss of service in the town, which was restored on Wednesday morning.

Paul Hayward, a spokesman for BT, urged people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour in or around “street cabinets” or manhole covers.

He said: “Network security is of paramount importance to us and we are constantly reviewing our processes to make sure our infrastructure protection is robust.‪”

Anyone with information can contact investigating police officer PC Peter Smith by telephoning 101, or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.