“Malicious” crooks are ripping out internet and phone cables to the cost of thousands of households and businesses.

BT confirmed there has been a series of incidents in recent months across Brighton and Hove as vandals target the equipment in its street cabinets.

Despite forensically marking some cables to trap the thieves, the firm is still no closer to finding out who the mystery crooks are.

Now it is urging members of the public to come forward and help them in the hunt – with a reward of up to £1,000 on offer.

Hove MP Mike Weatherley said: “The way in which the perpetrator of these crimes has taken out their frustrations on hundreds of my constituents is particularly shameful.

“We all end up paying for their vandalism though through increased bills. They must be identified and brought to justice as soon as possible.”
 

The Argus was notified of the incidents by a concerned member of the public who noticed a cabinet in Osborne Villas, Hove, had remained out of action for weeks.
 

After conservationists had raised fears the new green boxes were too tall, some had suggested the attacks were a protest.
 

But BT said all of the incidents – the total number was not provided – took place at old-fashioned metal cabinets.
 

A BT spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, the biggest impact of such random vandalism is felt by local communities, as services may be affected to residents, including vulnerable people, and small businesses.

“Network security is of paramount importance to Openreach.

" Our network security taskforce is working closely with Sussex Police, following a number of lines of enquiry, and has also taken various precautions to counter these attacks.

“These include increased local use of SmartWater, an invisible solution which forensically marks BT cables and property – and anyone who tampers with them.”

The firm has not ruled out that the offenders may be a rogue workman wearing similar coloured clothes to its staff.

It has urged anyone who has noticed anything, including workers not wearing its uniform or there being no Openreach-branded vehicle in the close vicinity, to call police on 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers offer a reward of up to £1,000 for information that leads to a conviction and can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.