VODAFONE’S mobile phone network crashed across Oxfordshire yesterday after thieves stole high-tech equipment from a centre in Basingstoke.

The blackout stretched across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire, leaving thousands of customers unable to make calls or send texts. Thieves smashed their way into the building between 1am and 2am, taking highly-specialised computer hardware that helps run the network.

Vodafone spokesman Richard Wray said the theft of the equipment was extremely unusual, but security would be reviewed after the police investigation. The network’s 2G, 3G and voice services were working again by 12:30pm, and text and voice mails services became available later in the afternoon.

Mr Wray said there had been no impact on the privacy of Vodafone customer’s data.

Police were called to the hi-tech facility, in Hamilton Close, Basingstoke, at 5am, up to four hours after Vodafone said the break-in occurred.

Hampshire Constabulary are investigating but spokesman Julie Jones refused to release any specific details about the break-in.

Vodafone customer Emma Smith, 25, from Cowley, said: “At first I thought something was wrong with my phone, but then I contacted my mum and her phone was not working either.

“It’s been pretty annoying, and I can appreciate it would be bad for people with businesses.

“My mobile phone is my only means of contact, and it makes you wonder how these people got into the place that serves all these customers.”