Brazil grapples with surge in electricity cable theft

Brazil is experiencing a sharp rise in theft of electricity cables and related infrastructure. The Federal District recorded 739 incidents in the first half of 2026 – a 31.7% increase over the same period in 2025 – and losses exceeding R$200 000. In Recife, criminals stealing traffic‑light components and cables have caused more than R$685 000 in damage. In Paraná, thefts on highway corridors managed by Arteris Litoral Sul have quadrupled since 2022, with estimated losses of about R$2.5 million.

Authorities responded with coordinated operations. In Porto Velho, Rondônia, police and municipal agencies launched the “Lumus Maximus” operation, inspecting 14 metal‑scrap yards and recycling points to disrupt the illegal trade of stolen cables and other public‑utility materials. Meanwhile, the Rio de Janeiro state education department began installing solar‑powered alarm systems in over 1 200 schools to deter cable‑theft gangs; the first unit in Duque de Caxias successfully triggered an alarm that forced thieves to abandon their attempt.

These incidents highlight a growing security challenge for Brazil’s power grid, prompting both law‑enforcement actions and preventive technology deployments.