DeterTech has launched a new insight paper that reveals the escalating threat of copper and cable theft and outlines clear actionable guidance for organisations at risk.
The report, Through the Wire: Practical solutions for deterring and preventing copper and cable theft, draws on analysis from DeterTech’s crime intelligence team to reveal the scale and evolving nature of this increasingly organised criminal activity, as well as the critical role of SmartWater forensic marking and visible deterrence in preventing repeat attacks.
Copper and cable theft is rising sharply, driven by record-high copper prices, which peaked at $14,500 in January and remain around 30% higher year-on-year. As a result, infrastructure operators across rail, energy, telecoms, and construction are facing increased risk.
The report highlights how the impact of copper theft extends far beyond financial loss, with attacks causing widespread disruption to key critical national infrastructure, safety risks, and significant operational downtime across sectors including rail, energy, telecoms, and construction.
The economic and operational impact is significant. Cable theft is estimated to cost the UK economy £480 million each year, while renewable energy sites alone lost at least £8 million in 2025. In some cases, the consequences extend even further — one solar farm saw a 40% drop in energy output following a single incident.
Incidents are also increasing in both frequency and severity. Drawing on DeterTech’s crime intelligence and its data-sharing agreement with all UK police forces, 48 incidents were reported at UK wind farms in 2025 alone, compared to a typical annual figure of just five.
The report highlights that, barring a visible security upgrade, once a site is targeted it is highly likely to be attacked again, as offenders exploit known vulnerabilities.
The paper includes real-world results, demonstrating how targeted intervention can make a measurable difference. For example, in collaboration with Network Rail, DeterTech implemented a combination of covert surveillance, SmartWater forensic marking, and targeted deterrence measures, achieving an 89% reduction in cable theft incidents and preventing 660,000 minutes of delays.
Drawing on DeterTech’s extensive crime intelligence network, including a data-sharing agreement covering all 43 police forces across England and Wales, the paper outlines a practical, intelligence-led approach to crime prevention.
Key recommendations include strengthening physical site security, increasing visible deterrents, deploying mobile surveillance solutions and using SmartWater forensic marking to support successful prosecution.
With many infrastructure assets located in remote and hard-to-secure locations, the report emphasises the need to move beyond reactive security and adopt a proactive strategy that deters crime before it happens.
“Copper and cable theft is now a widespread and persistent threat to critical infrastructure,” Gary Higgins, Director of Security and Risk at DeterTech, said. “By combining actionable intelligence, advanced technology and close collaboration with police and industry partners, organisations can stay one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.”
The Through the Wire insight paper is available here.
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