Suspected cable thief arrested as he emerged from underground

Thursday, 22 January 2026 15:19

A video released by police shows the moment an alleged underground cable thief was arrested in Birmingham city centre.

Footage shows officers "encouraging" the suspect to emerge from underground by climbing a ladder taking him back to street level.

West Midlands Police said officers were flagged down by members of the public as a group of men were trying to steal cables on Great Charles Queensway at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of theft, and a van carrying cables was recovered, the force said.

Officers were then made aware that a third suspect was underground so, with the help of a police dog named Riot, "encouraged him to climb up the ladder and on to the street, where he was also arrested on suspicion of theft".

Three men, aged 48, 45 and 37, remained in custody as of Wednesday.

Det Supt Dave Sproson, of Birmingham Police, said: "This was a fantastic response from our firearms, dogs and Birmingham officers, in bringing three suspects into custody quickly."

Sky News

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