Windfarms in England hit by wave of copper cabling thefts
Experts believe criminal gangs may be behind recent copper thefts from windfarms
Copper thieves have been stealing from windfarms in England, and experts think organised gangs are likely behind it.
Over the past three months, at least 12 large windfarms in places like Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Derbyshire, Essex, Humberside, Northamptonshire, North Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire have been targeted.
Normally, there are only about four or five small thefts each year. But this recent rise in thefts suggests that a well-organised group is behind it, according to the security company DeterTech.
Richard Crisp, an analyst at DeterTech, said, “What’s happening now is unusual and more serious than anything I’ve seen before. Usually, it’s just one turbine being targeted, but now entire windfarms with many turbines are being hit.”
In one case, thieves broke into the towers of three turbines at the same windfarm. This shows how serious and organised the criminals are.
These thefts come at a time when windfarm companies are planning new projects, after the UK government removed a ban on building new onshore windfarms. The government wants to double the number of windfarms by 2030 to help reach clean energy goals.
A source said the thieves broke open the doors at the base of the turbines, where maintenance is done. The turbines were running at the time, showing the thieves knew what they were doing and weren’t scared.
Because windfarms are often in quiet countryside areas, the thieves don’t even need to wait until night to steal.
“Copper is worth a lot of money,” the source said. “Compared to crimes like drug dealing, stealing copper is seen as less risky and still profitable.”
The windfarm industry is now working with a national crime team to stop thefts from places like windfarms, railways, and telephone lines.
Even though many windfarms have fences, locked gates, and trenches to stop vehicles, some sites are still easy to access.
Owners are being asked to improve security and watch CCTV footage closely. In many cases, suspicious vehicles were seen scouting the area before the thefts happened.
James Robottom from RenewableUK said they are working with police to find better ways to protect windfarms.
“This type of organised crime doesn’t just damage energy infrastructure,” Robottom said. “It also puts workers and the thieves themselves in danger.”
Published: 23th June 2025
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