Eircom cabling stolen in Limerick

GARDAÍ IN Co Limerick are investigating the removal of more than 150 metres of Eircom cabling from poles in the Ballysheedy area.

The theft, the second such larceny in recent weeks occurred in recent days in the Rathurd area of Ballysheedy on the outskirts of Limerick city.

A spokeswoman for Eircom said the Garda had been contacted and an investigation was underway. The Garda press office was unable to confirm details of the thefts last night.

Eircom has also reported the theft of manhole covers in the Dublin area in recent months.

It is believed the rising price of scrap metal is behind the spree which has also affected the ESB. Both organisations say they suffer an annual loss of cabling to theft.

In 2009, a man who pleaded guilty to his part in the theft of €500 worth of cable from an Eircom yard in Claremorris was convicted and fined €100 at Claremorris District Court.

The high quantities of copper used in transmission wires have made them a target for petty criminals. In a statement confirming the Limerick thefts yesterday Eircom did not put a value or weight on the 150m (490ft) of stolen cable. Eircom previously estimated the cost of a recent bout of thefts at about €250,000.

The ESB said it has been the victim of similar crimes, despite the danger of interfering with ESB cables.