New data has found that there has been a 60% increase in cable theft in Essex in June compared to last year.
Particularly soaring in August-September (and with a 15% overall rise year on year), transport and telecommunications cables have remained the most targeted due to their large amount of copper.
Copper is a highly sought-after material, increasingly so for younger people to sell, as its street value can be around £8.00 to £10.00 per kg. This has meant a rise in the copper street market – as well as theft of copper-containing components.
Richard Crisp, Intelligence Analyst at DeterTech (who collated the data) said: “The UK has recently seen a dramatic increase in the price of fuel and cable. Criminals have been quick to exploit this price increase over the past six months, with more organised groups now involved in the theft of cable and fuel.
“We urge civilians to continue to report all incidents of fuel theft, cable theft, metal theft, as well as vehicles involved in these crimes, to the police.”
The number of cable thefts during winter is set to increase as darkness falls earlier. Over the coming months, NICRP members based in Essex should remain particularly vigilant and ensure that security is reviewed, especially if cable is utilised or stored on site.
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