More network kit nicked at BT

Thieves have made off with nine network cards after breaking into a BT exchange in east London last night, crippling parts of the 21CN network.

In the second high-profile theft from a BT exchange this month, customers of Bracknell-based ISP Andrews & Arnold were among those forced offline, among other providers.

BT, which has not commented on the latest theft beyond a short statement, has come under fire for failing to include sufficient back-up measures within its system.

Docklands has long been known as a hub for the communications industry, with several key facilities springing up in recent years that could present a soft target.

Earlier in the month £2m worth of VPN kit was taken from BT’s Mayfair exchange as Madonna and Guy Ritchie threw a party in a neighbouring pub.

The chances of stolen goods from raids on exchanges showing up in the channel are generally considered remote. However, in spite of this the two most recent thefts from BT are very concerning; in both cases it appears that the criminals were targeting specific kit.