Two arrested over wifi theft
 

Two arrested over wifi theft

Police have cautioned a man and a woman for using wireless broadband connections without permission, in two of the country's first cases of "wifi theft".

The man was arrested in Redditch, Worcestershire, on Saturday after residents spotted him using a laptop while parked in his car outside a house.

A similar incident occured in Redditch earlier this month when a 29-year-old woman was arrested, although police do not believe there is a link between the two.

Both have been cautioned for dishonestly obtaining electronic communications services with intent to avoid payment.

Pc Tony Humphreys, from West Mercia Police, said: "We want people to be aware that this is possible and to be vigilant themselves regarding their own broadband connections.

"Wireless networks don't stop at the walls of your home - and so without the necessary protection, your neighbours or people in the road outside may be able to connect to your network.

"This might slow down your internet service, or more importantly, your internet connection could be used for unlawful purposes."

Most wireless networks are unsecured when first set up, but can be configured to stop unauthorised users accessing them.

Pc Humphreys added: "We do not want to alarm wireless broadband users - we want them to follow the advice on wireless broadband security issued to them by their broadband providers."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...8/nwifi118.xml