'Underground noises' lead to Rowley Regis metal theft arrest
"Curious underground noises" heard by a telephone engineer led to the arrest of a suspected metal thief in the Black Country.
West Midlands officers said they were called when an engineer lifted a manhole cover and heard footsteps below, in Rowley Regis on Wednesday.
Police said they recovered torches, copper piping, cutting tools, winching equipment and batteries.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft.
Officers called to the scene by the engineer said they saw a man climbing out of the hole in Habberley Road, covered in dirt.