By Sarmad Qazi
Staff Reporter
After stealing the cables, the thieves shave off the outer layers (or jackets) and sell them as metal
There have been several cases recently of workers stealing fibre optic cables from worksites and selling them after changing their condition, Gulf Times has learnt.
“Just last week we had to fire two of our employees for stealing fibre optic cables, after our client brought the matter to our attention,” a leading contractor working on a project in Al Rayyan said.
“The client was able to track the two and brought the evidence forward, following which we sacked them. The thieves were stealing about 1.5m everyday,” the contractor said.
According to the contractor, the project required either laying a large quantity of cables, or carrying out maintenance of the previously laid cables.
Another source said the cables are subsequently sold in the murky - and unregulated -scrap market of Qatar, based primarily in the Industrial Area.
“In instances we have come to know, the cables were peeled all the way to the metal content inside, which was then sold,” the source said.
“And that is the new pattern. They are effectively changing the shape of the cable and simply selling what’s inside, say copper,” the source added. 
Any cable, containing one or more optical fibres are typically referred to as fibre optic (or optical fibre) cable. Prices for them vary based on types, quality and ratings.
They are used for both indoor and outdoor purposes. However, the ones used outdoor are generally installed as backbones in a communications network, and come with strong coatings and in large diameters, making them more expensive compared to the indoor variety.  
“Obviously it’s something that worksite security teams should be vigilant about, unless they are party to it. But the authorities should look into who is buying all the cables,” an industry source said.
“Without the buyers, the illegal sales will diminish,” he added.
Authorities in Qatar regularly crack down on those behind worksite burglaries.
In November last year, police arrested two gangs specialising in stealing electrical cables from different localities.
The gangs, comprising 23 people of Asian and Arab nationalities, were taken into custody and referred to the public prosecution for legal proceeding.