The rise in cable theft – and how to reduce your risk of being impacted

With the price of scrap metal at an all-time high and copper increasing by more than 20% since February 2024, metal theft has increased exponentially in recent times. From our experience, when copper prices rise, so does the associated crime as criminals become willing take greater risks to pursue theft.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry in early 2024, found that metal theft is a known revenue stream for organised crime and has cost the UK economy an estimated £4.3 billion during the past 10 years. causing major safety, operational, and profitability issues for businesses across the UK.

Why is copper so important for construction and utility companies?

Copper is an integral element within the electrics, cabling, plumbing and roofing structure of buildings. The most common type of metal theft is the copper wire and piping found throughout buildings and in particular, utility installations. The removal of these items is highly likely to cause mass damage to electrical and water systems, leading to high value repair costs and health and safety concerns for the organisation impacted.

The hidden dangers of copper theft

Thieves will often steal directly from properties where the wiring is still live, making the impacted system very dangerous. Thieves will traditionally target cables that are directly fed from sub-stations, switches, or the main incoming feed as these are typically where the heaviest cables are located, and as a result, is where the most lucrative copper is found.

SelectDNA forensic marking solutions

Through our partnership with Selectamark, a global leader in forensic marking technologies, we offer our customers a SelectaDNA security solution that not only acts as an effective additional deterrent, but also aids in the retrieval of valuable assets.

According to a recent report, Network operator Openreach (BT) has seen a 30% fall in the theft of their copper phone and broadband cables over the last year, which is linked to SelectaDNA being sprayed directly onto their cables and equipment. SelectaDNA warning signage has also proved a very effective deterrent for criminals who prefer to move on to lower-risk sites.

Options to suit every site

Besides the options that we have mentioned, we have a wide range of other services designed specifically for asset and property protection.

Site monitoring and protection solutions

An active site needs to allow easy access to authorised personnel, whilst keeping out unwelcome intruders. To support your site traffic, Orbis provides:

• Fence-integrated turnstiles, including biometric and facial recognition models with integrated site register functionality.
• Steel security doors to allow authorised entry – Twin 5 lever mortice.
• Locks with anti-drill plates.
• Vehicular access prevention measures including barrier access and ANPR.
• Bluetooth lockboxes and keysafes.

Access solutions

A site is only as strong as its perimeter. Customers choose Orbis to secure their site perimeters to avoid unwelcome incursion and to ensure sites remain protected at all time. Perimeter solutions from Orbis include:

• Temporary and permanent fencing solutions including razor wire where needed.
• Concrete access blocks.
• Site hoarding.
• Heras Fencing, branded to customer specification.

Protecting your most valuable asset: People

The individuals on your sites trust you with their health, safety and wellbeing. Support your compliance and HSE requirements by making site safety your number one priority:

• Worker protection – worker support at the push of a button. Keep your workforce permanently supported by keyfob, ID card or Smartphone App emergency alarms.
• Body-worn video – see everything, hear everything, record everything. Support worker safety, protection, health and safety by equipping your teams with body-worn cameras.
• 24/7 connection to our proprietary Alarm Receiving Centre – always online. Worker protection, CCTV and alarms all connect centrally to the Orbis Alarm Receiving Centre to provide around-the-clock protection and monitoring.

What do our customers say?

“In addition to the latest technology Orbis provide, we are always delighted by their responsiveness and the second nature of their safety culture.”

Kinetic Demolition

“Orbis provide me with an immediate response. The Orbis team are very helpful and responsive to my property security needs.”

Liverpool Mutual Homes