Copper thefts in Cyprus surge

Thefts of copper have surged over the last year as prices spiral to up to €6,500 per tonne, despite the risks thieves face of electrocuting themselves as they cut power lines to sell copper wiring to scrapyards.

The electricity authority of Cyprus (EAC) told the Cyprus Mail there had been a spike in the theft of copper wires this year, while data available from the police last year showed that there were dozens of complaints filed for stolen copper items in general including agricultural machinery.

Figures from the police showed that from January 1 until October 18, 2023, there were 47 complaints filed in Nicosia, 36 in Limassol, 48 in Larnaca, eight in Famagusta, 52 in Paphos, and two in Morphou.

Far fewer suspects were arrested as those stealing the metal are hard to trace. In total 50 arrests were made from the complaints filed.

On the British bases, 42 cases were reported between April and August this year, with copper being a primary target for criminals.

Police spokesman Christos Andreou told the Cyprus Mail that in many instances of copper thefts, electricity authority wires are cut, and the polls are torn down.

The insulation of the wire is then burned away, and the metal melted before being sold.

Melting the metals makes it difficult for scrapyards to judge whether the item is stolen or not.

EAC spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulou told the Cyprus Mail that people stealing the wires are putting themselves in danger of electrocution, as the wires are live.

She added that there is also a risk of causing fires when the wires are torn down, because sparks can cause a blaze.

Papadopoulou said that thieves are also not just targeting copper wires but are also stealing iron doors from EAC substations.

The latter is a “serious problem” Papadopoulou said, but for the time being there have been more instances of stealing the wires.

However, this situation “can change” she said.

Papadopoulou said that the EAC generally reports the thefts after they go to check why the power went down in certain areas.

She highlighted an instance in Platres last year when someone stole over 1,000 metres of copper wiring, which cost the EAC around €10,000 in repairs.

She said that when these thefts occur, the EAC needs to install new electricity polls and put up new wires, which is a costly procedure.

Papadopoulou also called on the public to be vigilant and report these issues, if they see them.

“The EAC and police work together to combat this crime,” she said.

A scrapyard that spoke to the Cyprus Mail anonymously said that when they discover instances where they suspect the metal is stolen, they report it to police but added that the thief needs to be an “amateur” to allow the metal to look stolen.

Most of the time the scrapyard said the items are melted down into another shape before being brought to them, making it difficult to determine if it is stolen.

In late August, the British bases police also warned farmers, homeowners and business owners to be vigilant and secure their properties due to an increase in copper thefts.

According to a statement released then, 42 cases were reported between April and August this year.

“We are seeing the increase in theft of copper wires, tools and any other machinery that contains the material, so people need to be vigilant and secure their property,” said Dhekelia CID inspector Fanos Christodoulou.

One of the most vulnerable groups are farm owners, who keep large amounts of tools and machinery in agricultural areas, where thieves can move in the dark, undetected.

“Farmland appears to be an easy target for thieves as they can move at night and the majority of the time, people don’t tend to lock up their equipment in these areas.

“This needs to change and we advise everyone to make their items less accessible to steal. By taking measures like locking up your tools in a secure box, or installing CCTV, this will make you less vulnerable,” the inspector said, adding that investing in security is a good investment.

The bases police undertake regular patrols, but their job is hampered by the vast amount of rural land within the Dhekelia area.

The EAC urge the public to call 1800 and select the third option to report issues of power line thefts or report instances on the EAC mobile app, where they can upload pictures of the problem