Copper is the New Gold: How Rising Metal Prices Are Fuelling a Crime Wave
The phrase "as valuable as gold" may need updating. In 2026, copper has become the metal that criminals covet most, and the consequences are disrupting (critical) infrastructure and construction across Europe.
The Perfect Storm: Soaring Prices and Supply Shortages
Copper prices have surged to unprecedented levels, with market analysts projecting prices averaging $12 500 per metric ton in Q2 2026—a staggering 25% increase year-over-year. Aluminium prices are following suit, with forecasting $3,000 per ton in 2026.
What's driving this surge? Severe supply disruptions (geo politics), the global energy transition, booming tech sector demand, and exponential EV infrastructure growth. With projected global copper deficits running into hundreds of thousands of tonnes, industry experts now describe copper as "the global economy's most critical raw material."
From Street Lights to Construction Sites and Charging Stations: The New Target
These record-high prices haven't gone unnoticed by criminal networks. In Germany alone, EnBW—one of the country's largest charging operators—reported over 900 cable thefts in a single year, with an average of 70 charging points vandalized daily.
Construction sites have emerged as a target for organized metal theft gangs. Large-scale projects are particularly vulnerable during overnight hours and weekends when sites are often left unattended. Thieves target essential components like HVAC units, electrical wiring installations, and heavy-duty grounding cables. The removal of these critical systems not only results in direct material loss but often causes significant project delays and requires costly re-installation work.
The theft epidemic extends beyond these sectors to telecommunications networks, railway systems, solar parks and electrical substations.
The Real Cost: More Than Just Money
While individual incidents have a direct cost in repairs, the secondary effects are even more alarming: service disruptions, construction delays, safety risks, …
The Security Solution: Prevention Over Reaction
Here's the uncomfortable truth: by the time copper is stolen, it's already too late. The metal is quickly sold to scrap dealers, often crossing borders within hours. Recovery rates are low.
This is where professional security becomes essential.
The Watchtower Security Solution
Our mobile camera masts and boxes, equipped with artificial intelligence, offer an answer to this growing problem.
How does it work?
Real-time detection: As soon as the AI camera detects an intruder on your property, immediate action is taken.
Direct intervention: Via the integrated loudspeaker, a control room can challenge the criminal whilst in the act
Immediate effect: When perpetrators realize that they are seen and addressed, they quickly run away – often before they can steal anything or do significant damage
Looking Forward
Most analysts predict sustained high copper prices through 2027-2030. The question isn't whether prices will stabilize, but whether organizations will adapt their security posture to match the evolving threat landscape.
Copper may be the new gold, but it doesn't have to be easy pickings.