In a bizarre twist on the UK’s metal theft problem, thieves in Nottinghamshire have reportedly started stealing the metal shells from Virgin Media broadband cabinets – leaving essential street equipment exposed to the elements and at risk of damage.
According to a report from the BBC, several of Virgin Media’s roadside broadband and phone cabinets have recently been targeted, with the steel covers removed entirely. The operator has urged local residents not to touch or go near any open or exposed cabinets and to report them immediately.
While metal theft in telecoms networks isn’t new – copper cables and batteries are the usual targets – taking the outer casings of cabinets is unusual. The steel used in these covers isn’t particularly valuable, fetching roughly £200 per tonne at scrap metal yards, meaning thieves would need to steal dozens of them to make any real profit.
Most of the affected cabinets appear to be older Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) units, part of Virgin Media’s DOCSIS 3.1 network used for broadband, TV and phone services. However, there have also been reports of newer full fibre (FTTP) cabinets being hit in other areas.
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said:
“Unfortunately, following a recent wave of metal theft in the Nottingham area, covers of cabinets housing broadband equipment have been targeted and stolen. If residents in the area notice any cabinets with missing lids, they are advised to report this to the relevant operator.”
Virgin Media has reassured customers that the safety risk is low, but exposed equipment could lead to local broadband or TV outages if damaged by weather or tampering.
Residents can report damaged or missing cabinet covers by calling 0330 333 0444 or via the Virgin Media Community Forum.
If you live in the Nottinghamshire area and notice a Virgin Media cabinet left open or exposed, don’t try to fix or move it – even if it’s outside your home. These units contain live telecoms equipment that helps deliver broadband and phone services to your street.
While these thefts are unlikely to affect your internet connection immediately, damage from rain or vandalism could cause temporary service interruptions. Virgin Media engineers are monitoring affected sites and working to replace stolen covers as quickly as possible.
As the UK continues to expand its full fibre networks, protecting infrastructure like this is essential – especially as millions of homes now depend on reliable broadband for work, streaming and everyday communication.
