Crime analysts at DeterTech have identified a rising threat to UK wind farms, with copper cabling becoming an attractive material to criminals.

Historically, copper cabling being stolen from inside wind turbines has been rare in the UK.

However, with nine reported offences since April 2025, DeterTech insists that the involvement of organised gangs targeting copper cabling has dramatically increased.

Locations that have been targeted include: Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Derbyshire, Essex, Humberside, Northamptonshire, North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

One of the reported copper cabling thefts, according to DeterTech, consisted of three turbines within a singular wind farm being broken into.

Copper cabling: How the material is stolen

DeterTech has stated that once offenders have gained entry, the turbine door is forcibly opened and the electricity supply is isolated to eliminate the risk of electrocution. The copper cabling is then cut and removed.

The report notes that the offenders are operating whilst the turbines are active, indicating that these individuals are potentially familiar with the infrastructure and are confident in their skill set.

“Suspicious activity”

Richard Crisp, Intelligence Analyst, DeterTech said: “With such a surge of cable theft incidents in the UK, we are urging wind farm management companies to inspect their turbines for any signs of tampering or theft.

“Any incidents need to be reported immediately to the local police.

“Additionally, we encourage operators to review recent CCTV footage for any suspicious activity, particularly around entrance gates and to remain vigilant to unfamiliar vehicles or individuals near their sites,” commented Crisp.

DeterTech encourages individuals to report thefts, suspicious vehicles and hostile reconnaissance and by doing so allows the National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership (NICRP) and UK policing agencies to build a comprehensive image of what the current threats are and in turn coordinate effective responses to criminal activity.