Thieves attempted to steal hundreds of metres of underground cable at two locations on the same night.
The incidents happened overnight on Monday and Tuesday (November 26 and 27) on the A141, at its junction with the B1040 at Warboys, and at Paxton Hill, between Great Paxton and St Neots.
On both occasions, manhole covers were lifted and cables were cut but the thieves left empty handed and officers believe they may have been disturbed.
The damage caused to cables in the first incident left a nearby industrial estate and properties along the B1040 without telephone lines.
Officers are also investigating the theft of 500 metres of underground cable stolen from near the A428 at St Neots overnight on November 22 to 23.
PC Pete Wise, from Ramsey Police Station, said: "I would urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity by the side of roads and around manholes to contact police.
"We believe these thieves often work in small groups and use 4X4 or larger vehicles to pull the cable from the ground. Anyone with information about these incidents should contact police."
Anyone with information should contact PC Wise on 0845 456 456 4, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
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