Two men spotted beneath an Ellerslie manhole in the dark last night have wound up in Police custody.
Just after 11.30pm, Police were alerted to two men allegedly spotted opening a manhole cover and cutting cabling inside with power tools on Cawley Street.
Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, Auckland East Area Response Manager, says officers were on the scene within three minutes.
"Thefts like this can cause thousands of dollars' worth of damage.
"We would like to thank the member of the public for their quickly notifying Police, there's no doubt their quick thinking made all the difference."
Two men, aged 40 and 41, will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with intentional damage.
Police urge the public to report any suspicious behaviour around commercial properties, or any other properties, to Police immediately on 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.
You can also make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
