Last updated 19:46, Thursday, 24 July 2008

FORTY Maryport homes have been left without satellite TV after a spate of random attacks.

Police are now investigating the vandalism, which saw satellite cables severed.

In the latest attack, on Tuesday, 20 homes were targeted.

Police say they are working on a number of theories about the incidents, but said the amount of cable stolen would have little commercial value.

All the homes targeted were terraced houses with no front garden or yard.

The cable has been taken during the night and in every case, a metre of cable was cut away and stolen.

PC Liz Hampson, of Maryport police, said: “It’s not personal and it looks random.”

David Renwick, of High Street, lost his Sky cable on Tuesday.

“It was between 4am and 10am. I noticed because I was in the middle of recording a programme.”

Milly Crossfield, of North Quay, was targeted last week. She said: “There was only an inch of cable left. Why would they want to do that for? It cost us about £30 to repair.”

Streets targeted include Boyd Street, Ellenborough Old Road, James Street, Jane Street, Albert Terrace, Florence Terrace, High Street, Gilmore Street, Ellenborough Place and Ismay Wharf.

If anyone sees anything suspicious they should call Maryport police on 0845 3300247 or, if the crime is in progress, call 999.