A CASH reward has been offered for anyone who helps convict those responsible for repeated attacks on vital infrastructure around Scotland, including the Wee County.

Crimestoppers have teamed up with Openreach to appeal for information following cable thefts from key points in the broadband service infrastructure.

According to the companies, the thefts have caused major disruption to services in west and central Scotland.

So far, there have been five incidents which involved the criminals cutting underground cables before pulling them out into nearby fields.

One of the attacks took place on the outskirts of Alva between the hours of 3.30am and 4am on August 31, this year.

Incidents also took place in Springburn, Glasgow, Irvine, Kirkintilloch and Blanefield, Glasgow.

The damage has left hundreds of residential and business customers across Scotland without use of their phone lines, broadband and TV services over the past three weeks.

Angela Parker, Scotland manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: "It's shocking to think that people would steal vital communications cables knowing that communities, already stressed during the isolation of a global pandemic, will suffer.

"It may appear that no one is harmed or that this is a victimless crime, but the impact on communities is significant. Cable theft disrupts essential broadband services and can even impact on local emergency and vital public services.

"Those involved care little for the consequences of their actions, which is why we are asking anyone with information on those responsible to speak up now.

"If you are unable to speak directly to the police, then our charity is here for you," she added. ""We can take your information anonymously via our UK Contact Centre. Just fill in our simple and secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or speak to one of our trained staff by calling freephone 0800 555 111. You'll stay 100 per cent anonymous. Always."

Openreach engineers worked as quickly as possible to restore services to all those customers affected.

Richard Ginnaw, senior security manager for Openreach, said: "These incidents have really affected the local communities, especially in a period when people are still being encouraged to maintain social distancing. Not having access to broadband and telephony services seriously affects the ability to do things online as well as stay in touch and check in on loved ones.

"We're working very closely with police to catch those who are responsible and are deploying additional security enhancements across the area, but we also need your help. Please be vigilant and if you saw anything suspicious on or around the time of the incidents, report it. If you prefer not to speak directly to police, then please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously."

Crimestoppers and Openreach are now offering a £1,000 reward for any information, which can be given anonymously, if it leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.