Copper thefts on Italian railway lines prompt calls for security

A series of copper thefts targeting railway infrastructure in Italy has prompted calls for increased security. The latest incident occurred overnight in the Papiano area along the former Ferrovia Centrale Umbra (FCU) line, which is currently undergoing renovation by RFI. Thieves reportedly stole between 500 and 1,000 meters of copper wiring during the theft.

According to the Fit Cisl Umbria union, this marks the tenth similar theft since the beginning of 2026. The cumulative loss is estimated at approximately 20 tons of copper, with a total economic impact exceeding 1 million euros based on current market rates of roughly 11 euros per kilogram.

Beyond the direct loss of material, the union highlights significant collateral damage. The methods used to extract the cables involve damaging connected apparatuses and infrastructure, leading to construction delays and requiring additional RFI personnel for repairs. Fit Cisl Umbria has requested that the FS Group implement continuous nightly surveillance at construction sites, suggesting that an annual security expenditure of approximately 300,000 euros would be more cost-effective than the ongoing losses and delays.