The rise in cable theft on construction sites – how we can react and respond in 2025
Paul Worsley, Chief Operating Officer of Kingdom Systems, discusses the rising problem of cable theft and how innovative theft deterrent solutions are helping to combat the problem.
Theft across construction sites has been rising across the board over recent years, fuelled by organised crime and the increased value of construction equipment, fuel, and certain metals. Electrical cables, which are mostly made of copper, are increasingly becoming a target for organised gangs.
In the past 25 years globally, the demand for copper has doubled, down to its usefulness in various sectors such as cable design, battery design, electronic circuits, piping, transport, electric vehicles and solar panels and more, as the world becomes more and more technological.
As well as demand, the value of copper has continued to fluctuate, but is becoming more and more valuable. In 2024, the price of copper jumped 18% to almost $10,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange (LME), enjoying a fairly recent resurgence that will no doubt continue into 2025 and beyond.
As the price of scrap copper increases, so too does its appeal to thieves. An inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) revealed that metal theft has become a lucrative revenue stream for organised crime, costing the UK economy an eyewatering £4.3 billion in the past decade. Copper’s demand, value and various uses have driven up the rate of theft of copper and cable – across industries and in the most unlikely places.
Network Rail say that cable theft costs them millions of pounds every year, with the total cost to the economy – in both time and money – being even higher. E.V. cables are a common target, and even a recent Christmas lights show in Hampshire reported a £80,000 copper cable theft.
For construction sites, security is key to preventing cable theft. Theft alone is reported to cost the industry £800 million a year, according to insurer Allianz Cornhill. They are frequently targeted due to the presence of expensive machinery, easily accessible equipment, and valuable materials onsite. Many construction sites may have little to no CCTV, no response teams and no way to track the thieves down. Others may lack security when allowing people onsite, which means thieves could enter the premises with just a high-vis jacket and hard hat on.
Copper cable theft has huge repercussions on the construction industry, beyond its monetary value. It leads to extensive project delays when thieves remove essential wiring. As well as this, the removal of live cable not only endangers the thieves themselves, but also poses risks to unwitting site workers who might come across the exposed live wires.
So how do we start 2025 prepared to tackle cable theft?
With the majority of construction sites already installing CCTV to address the rise in theft, companies need to assess their vulnerabilities and potential blind spots.
Full coverage solutions
Criminals often spend time assessing a site before attempting a break-in. To counteract this, construction sites should ensure comprehensive coverage through the use of CCTV towers with full 360-degree visibility and live reporting/detection capabilities. This enables faster intervention, allowing response teams to apprehend thieves before significant damage or theft occurs. Additionally, video evidence can be used to support police investigations and prosecute offenders.
Audio deterrence
Many modern security systems are equipped with audio deterrence technology. When motion sensors detect an intruder, a pre-recorded or live audio warning is triggered, alerting the trespasser that they have been seen and recorded. This immediate acknowledgment can cause offenders to flee, buying valuable time for response teams to arrive and secure the site. Audio deterrents provide a proactive approach to theft prevention, rather than relying solely on reactive measures.
24/7 response teams
Rapid response teams are critical to the security of construction sites, particularly as thefts are more likely to occur under the cover of darkness. Having a dedicated 24/7 incident response team on standby ensures that all alarm activations are immediately investigated. This rapid deployment capability minimises potential losses and reinforces site security during vulnerable periods.
Real-time alerts to police
On-site security systems should be equipped to send real-time alerts to local police authorities. Direct and immediate notification allows law enforcement to attend the scene promptly, increasing the likelihood of apprehending thieves in the act and deterring future attempts. Integrating police alerts into security protocols demonstrates a comprehensive approach to theft prevention.
Facial recognition on site
With multiple contractors and workers on-site, identifying who is authorised to be present can be challenging. Facial recognition technology offers a practical solution. By using biometric identification, the system can verify each individual’s credentials before they enter. This technology enables construction sites to detect unauthorised personnel on-site at any time of the day or night, reducing the risk of theft and increasing accountability among workers and contractors.
Technology at the gates
Controlled access at entry points is another effective strategy for reducing cable theft. By implementing an app-based access system, construction sites can pre-verify the identity of workers before granting entry. This system not only reduces the risk of theft but also ensures that everyone on-site has met health and safety training requirements. Gate technology provides a dual benefit of improved security and regulatory compliance, adding another layer of site control.
Thermal cameras
Traditional CCTV systems rely on visible light to capture footage, but thermal cameras can detect body heat, making them highly effective in low-light conditions or adverse weather. These cameras produce clear thermal images even in complete darkness, enabling continuous surveillance throughout the night. By integrating thermal imaging with other security systems, construction sites can maintain visibility in all weather conditions, thereby reducing the risk of theft.
Temporary CCTV Towers
Short-term construction projects, often lasting only a few weeks or months, may be at heightened risk of cable theft. Installing permanent CCTV systems for such short durations is costly and impractical, but temporary CCTV towers offer a cost-effective and flexible solution. These towers are quick to install, easy to relocate, and provide the same level of surveillance as permanent installations. By opting for temporary CCTV, construction sites avoid unnecessary expenses while maintaining essential security.
Using marked cables
Cable marking technology has become a powerful tool in deterring theft and aiding police investigations. Specialised DNA marking can be applied to cables, creating a unique identifier that links stolen materials back to a specific site. This allows law enforcement to trace stolen goods to organised criminal groups and strengthens the case for prosecution. Publicising the use of DNA-marked cables acts as a deterrent, as criminals are less likely to steal traceable materials.
By implementing these measures, construction companies can better protect themselves against the growing threat of cable theft. A multi-layered approach, combining technology, personnel, and deterrence, will ensure construction sites remain secure throughout 2025 and beyond.
Editor’s notes
The Kingdom Group delivers people solutions with care in the specialist areas of security, cleaning and recruitment services. Through Kingdom Academy, we provide training that supports both our services and our customers. With a turnover of £235m and a team of over 10,500 permanent and talented colleagues, Kingdom combines UK-wide scale with a personal touch. Our National Support and Command Centre is based in Merseyside, with regional offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, London, and Belfast. Internationally, Kingdom are making a mark with a growing presence in India.
