Solar farms report ‘unprecedented’ surge in cable thefts

DeterTech, a provider of security solutions for solar projects and critical national infrastructure, has reported a significant increase in cable thefts targeting solar farms and battery storage facilities. 

Data compiled from DeterTech’s Crime Intelligence unit reveals that over 750 kilometres of cable were stolen from solar farms in the UK between January and August 2024, with many sites being repeatedly targeted by organised criminals soon after cables are replaced.

Across Europe, DeterTech protects over 2.5 GW of solar capacity and operates a Crime Intelligence Portal for police and critical infrastructure companies. Its information-sharing agreement with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, combined with data from some of the UK’s largest solar companies, indicates that the prevalence and scale of cable theft from solar farms has never been higher.

In the first eight months of 2024, over 70 theft incidents were reported at solar sites, with more than 20% involving cable thefts of at least 20 kilometres in length. Europe faces a similar situation, with an estimated 5,000 ‘major’ solar thefts occurring annually, including 400 in Germany alone. The data highlights the substantial volumes of cable being stolen and the likelihood that sites targeted by organised criminal gangs will be revisited once the cable has been replaced.

Kelly Barnes, Manager of Crime Intelligence at DeterTech, noted: “The scale of theft we’re witnessing from solar sites is unprecedented, and the frequency of sites being struck again after cable is replaced conclusively points to the involvement of highly organised criminal gangs. 

“Any sign of a site being targeted should be considered a trigger for an immediate security upgrade. We encourage the adoption of a multi-layered security approach comprising both deterrence and detection based technologies. 

“The main aim is to discourage intrusions, however, should the intruder continue, fast and effective detection and escalation is essential to protect assets and avoid unnecessary downtime or delays.”