Train traffic disrupted for days, construction sites brought to a standstill and solar farms unable to provide maximum power: copper theft is increasingly causing major damage. Copper is valuable and this makes it an attractive target for criminals. Across Europe, we see a marked increase in copper theft, especially in remote locations.
This development requires a thoughtful strategy, precisely because the impact of copper theft can be very large.
Copper theft is popular, but why is this? It has everything to do with the stable, high market price. Switching to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, requires a lot of copper cables. The construction of a single solar farm sometimes uses dozens of kilometres of cable.
Increasing demand, combined with limited supply, means the price has risen. And where there is value, there is trade. And, unfortunately, so does theft.
Although sellers of copper are required to identify themselves and a hotline exists for copper theft, stolen copper still often slips through the net. This is because stolen cables are often cut and stripped making it difficult to identify as stolen property. Moreover, it is also often traded across borders making it difficult to trace.
Copper theft has been a well-known problem for several years. So you hear about it regularly in the news: train traffic disrupted by stolen overhead wires or construction sites brought to a standstill because cables were taken.
But not only railways and construction sites are at risk, also solar parks and solar roofs are increasingly affected by copper theft. These installations are often located on remote sites, contain kilometres of copper cabling and are usually only monitored remotely. In addition, there is often a lack of social control. There is no neighbour looking out the window or reporting something in the neighbourhood app.
Copper theft takes place at:
The impact of copper theft is huge. It is not only about the value of the stolen copper, but also about downtime, delay and insurance costs.
Repair costs
When cables are cut, they need to be replaced or repaired. Depending on the damage, repair costs can reach thousands of euros.
Higher premiums
Is damage suffered and it turns out that security was not in order? Then this could lead to a lower payout. In addition, a theft may lead to higher insurance premiums.
Loss of revenue
One of the most underestimated consequences is the time it takes to get a facility operational again. During the period, a construction site lies idle causing delays, or a solar farm does not generate power while costs continue.
To prevent copper theft, measures must be taken. A fence and warning sign are no longer enough in 2025. The combination of visible and invisible security measures is, in our opinion, the key to success.
Physical security is an important first step. A sturdy fence makes it more difficult to enter the premises. By equipping the fence with smart sensors, an instant notification is sent when someone tries to force or cut the fence.
A gate with electronic access also prevents unauthorised persons from simply entering the premises.
Camera surveillance has become indispensable on construction sites, solar parks and other sites at risk of theft these days. But it is not just about seeing what is happening. Cameras should not only record, they should also detect.
Think of suspicious movements, such as sneaking and climbing, or activity at unusual times. Cameras with smart technology assess the images and classify them as suspicious or unsuspicious. Suspicious images are forwarded to the control room for review within seconds.
Want to know more about this smart detection? Read more about our AI technology here.
Cut protection ensures that thieves have no chance to disconnect copper cables undisturbed. A fibre-optic cable with a sensor is attached to the cabling. As soon as someone tries to cut or disconnect a component, a notification is immediately sent to the monitoring station. This way, action can be taken at lightning speed, and you don't find out later that damage has been done.
Images and alerts are worth nothing without follow-up. A security system should therefore always be linked to a private alarm centre. This is where reports are assessed and immediate action can be taken.
Dark corners are attractive to burglars. Fortunately, they are still perfectly visible with an infrared camera, but adding lighting will deter thieves. Lights with motion sensors show that there is control.
As soon as activity is detected, the lights jump on and intruders know they are seen. This combined with sound signals or sirens creates an additional barrier that discourages criminals from proceeding.
Every site is different. A solar farm in the middle of the polder requires a different approach than a construction site in an urban area. That is why a risk analysis is the very first step. Where are the weak spots? Are there blind spots? Which entrances are vulnerable? Based on this analysis, a security plan that suits the site can be drawn up.
Copper theft is no longer occasional, it is an organised form of crime that is increasingly professional. With the right combination of physical security, smart detection and monitoring, you reduce the risk and increase control over the premises.
We believe in customisation. Not a standard solution, but a strategy that fits the terrain. Curious about where the weak spots are? We are happy to map the risks and advise on appropriate measures to prevent copper theft.
Copper is in demand because it has a stable, high market value. The energy transition has seen a sharp increase in demand: wind turbines, solar farms and charging infrastructure require huge amounts of copper cabling. This increased demand, combined with scarcity, has further pushed up the price.
Copper theft is most common in locations with little surveillance, such as construction sites, railway lines, solar farms, wind farms and electricity installations. Remote sites are especially vulnerable as there is often no social control.
Stolen copper is often offered to metal recyclers or traders. In the Netherlands, sellers must identify themselves and there is a copper theft hotline. Yet much copper disappears from view unseen, as cables are cut and stripped, making them difficult to trace. Moreover, it is often traded across borders, making tracing even more difficult.
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