Jail for trio from Essex who posed as BT workers to steal metal in Kilburn

Three thieves from Essex have been jailed for stealing metal to sell for scrap after posing as British Telecom workmen called to a job in Kilburn.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Romans Sinicins, 22, Arturs Karklins, 29 and Segei Selskis, 24, all of Harlow, were caught red-handed in Greville Road, by police officers following a tip-off.

Two were found down a manhole dressed in hi-visibility clothing cutting and stealing copper cable and a third was on the street acting as a lookout on August 16 this year.

All three, who are originally from Latvia, admitted theft and criminal damage.

PC Sammi Elfituri from Brent Police, who investigated all three, said: “As the value of scrap copper continues to rise, sadly thieves will look for new and innovative ways to steal this valuable commodity and will target communications infrastructure, giving little or no thought to the consequences of their actions or the danger they put themselves in.

“These offenders travelled into London with the sole intention of committing this crime, they were organised and well prepared.

“I would urge the public to report any suspicious activity or people around manholes by calling 999 or 101 particularly if unsure of their legitimacy. BT uses their own engineers or approved contactors to carry out maintenance work, all of whom have clearly marked vehicles and identification.”

Once released from prison all three face deportation and being banned from obtaining travel documentation for five years.