800‑kg Cable Drum Theft Near Karlsruhe Disrupts Construction

Police in the Offenburg district investigated a major theft at a construction site in Schwanau‑Nonnenweier, about 70 km from Karlsruhe. A 800‑kilogram cable drum equipped with several hundred metres of copper‑coated power cable was stolen, indicating the use of a large transport vehicle and possibly technical assistance. The loss was discovered during a routine inspection, prompting investigators to seek witnesses and information on suspicious vehicles.

The theft highlights a wider rise in copper‑related thefts that affect construction projects across Germany, causing delays, additional costs, and supply‑chain disruptions for affected builders. Authorities warned that such incidents can halt work until replacement cables are secured, impacting project timelines and budgets.