A reward is being offered for information about cable thieves who damaged a communications network in Chatham.

The crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers and communications company Openreach are offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information.

The information must lead to a successful conviction of the suspects after an incident occurred along the A2045 Walderslade Woods Road, under the Robin Hood Lane footbridge, on Wednesday last week.

The damage is said to have happened between 12.30am and 1.30am that day and left homes and businesses without phone lines, broadband and TV.

Openreach engineers worked as quickly as they could to restore services to those customers affected.

A spokesman for Crimestoppers said: “We are disappointed to hear of this incident, not just because of the impact it has on the local community, but because the crime is so senseless.”

Bernie Auguste, from Openreach, added: “We are doing everything possible to make sure that this damage caused by this pointless crime is repaired as soon as possible.

“If you saw anything suspicious along the A2045 or the surrounding area during the early hours of Wednesday morning then please do not hesitate to call Crimestoppers and help us to bring the people responsible to justice.”

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org