[REVISION HISTORY]
Copper theft targeting European infrastructure
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2026-09-16 15:55 UTC → 2026-09-18 00:50 UTC ·
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Organized copper theft is increasingly targeting critical infrastructure across Europe, driven by high global prices and industrial demand. In France, criminal networks have targeted telecommunications, public lighting, and electrical grids. A notable incident occurred on the A62 motorway near Toulouse, where thieves disabled 14 ENGIE electric vehicle charging stations by cutting cables. This occurred shortly after the site had been renovated into a major regional charging hub. In Spain, security has been reinforced at Barcelona’s Estació de França following a surge in thefts affecting the rail stretch between Estació de França and Glòries. Local reports indicated six thefts occurred within a ten-day period, prompting coordinated responses from the Mossos d'Esquadra, scientific police, and railway authorities to implement increased surveillance and prevention measures. As of September 2026, the Mossos d'Esquadra have continued to increase surveillance at the Estació de França specifically to prevent further copper theft. This effort is part of broader regional security operations in Catalonia, which include traffic macro-controls in the Camp de Tarragona area and new initiatives by the head of the Mossos, Sílvia Catà, to combat organized crime.
Versions
- 2026-09-18 00:50 UTC Copper theft targeting European infrastructure
- 2026-09-16 15:55 UTC Copper theft targeting European infrastructure
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