The phenomenon of theft of copper cables is taking on a worrying scale in France, leaving entire regions in darkness. This scourge, driven by the rising value of the metal, is seriously disrupting critical infrastructure and raising crucial questions about network security.
The scale of the problem and its consequences
In 2024, the theft of copper cables will become a real nightmare for many French municipalities. With an alarming average of 16 flights per daythe consequences are disastrous for local populations. Thousands of residents find themselves regularly deprived of access to the Internet, thus paralyzing:
- Remote alarm systems
- ATMs
- Emergency services
This phenomenon particularly affects rural areas, where old copper telecommunications networks, made obsolete by the massive deployment of optical fiber, become easy targets for thieves. The latter do not hesitate to cut the cables on site before burning them to facilitate their resale.
The financial impact on municipalities is considerable, pushing many elected officials, such as senator Frédérique Espagnac and deputy Jean-Philippe Tanguy, to demand emergency measures to protect this vital infrastructure.
A phenomenon that transcends borders
The theft of copper cables is not an exclusively French problem. It also affects other European countries, particularly in the railway sector. Here is an overview of the situation in different countries:
| Pays | Impact | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 84,390 minutes late (2022-2023) | 14,33 millions € |
| Germany | 450 cases, 40,000 minutes late | 7 millions € |
| France | Unspecified data | More than €20 million |
| Belgium | 33,000 minutes late | Not communicated |
It is essential to note that some countries, such as Austria, seem less affected by this phenomenon. On the other hand, the general trend in Europe remains worrying, with significant consequences on the punctuality of trains and the finances of railway companies.
The economic factors behind the surge in thefts
The attraction to copper, sometimes nicknamed « l’or rouge »is explained by several economic factors:
Initially, the copper price has experienced a continuous increase, oscillating between 7,000 and 9,000 euros per tonne in 2024. This valuation makes the metal particularly attractive for thieves, who can hope for substantial gains.
Second, the growing demand for copper in the energy sector plays a crucial role. According to the International Energy Agency, this sector will represent 40% of global copper demand in the next two decades. This projection suggests a potential increase in theft in the future.
Finally, the transition to optical fiber in France has paradoxically facilitated access to old copper networks, which have become less monitored. This situation creates opportunities for thieves, who can operate more easily, especially in less secure rural areas.
Towards sustainable solutions
Faced with the scale of the problem, it is becoming urgent to put in place effective and sustainable solutions. Several avenues can be explored:
- Strengthening security : Intensify infrastructure surveillance, particularly in more vulnerable rural areas.
- International cooperation : Improve coordination between European countries to fight against cross-border concealment networks.
- Technological innovation : Develop early detection systems for attempted theft.
- Awareness : Inform the public about the impact of cable theft to encourage citizen vigilance.
Implementing these measures will require close collaboration between local authorities, telecommunications operators and law enforcement. Only a global and coordinated approach will make it possible to significantly reduce the impact of this scourge which is plunging entire regions into darkness.
