Copper theft is on the rise

Theft of copper is on the rise in the UK, according to a new report, despite metal theft overall falling significantly.

Data shows that metal theft in the UK has declined by nearly a third (32%), falling from 7,163 instances to 4,904 between 2023 and 2025.

The study, conducted by metals4U, analysed crime data from UK police forces for metal theft and attempted metal theft, and found that the decline in metal related crimes was consistent across most UK regions and police forces. Despite the decline however, two regions saw sustained increases to the number of thefts each year – Greater London and the West Midlands. In addition, thefts of copper rose each year – over the three years in question, copper thefts rose from more than one in 10 (13%) of all metal thefts in 2023, to one in five (20%) in 2025.

Greater London experienced the highest amount of metal theft, with a total of 2,503 instances between 2023 and 2025. The capital is one of just two regions across the UK that experienced a sustained increase, with thefts rising each year and increasing by 28% over the three-year period.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Avon and Somerset saw the lowest numbers of metal related crime, with 35 instances.

Greater Manchester saw a significant drop in recorded crimes after 2023, with 1,043 thefts involving metal in 2023 and 386 by 2025, a decrease of 63%.

Number of metal thefts by region (2023-2025)

Paul McFadyen, metal expert and chairman of metals4U, said: “While it’s positive news that metal theft as a whole is decreasing across much of the nation, the steady increase in theft of copper is concerning. Notably because it highlights that thieves are aware, and taking advantage of high demand for the metal caused by chronic global supply shortages.

“For businesses that either stock large amounts of copper, or require it on a regular basis for jobs, it’s vital that security is kept tight to prevent avoidable theft. It’s also worth considering if other metals can be used as a lower cost, lower risk alternative, such as substituting copper components for lightweight, high-performance aluminium alternatives. Site security should also be increased, with valuable materials such as copper and other metal types either kept off site, or in a secured location.

“Unfortunately stolen metal is often difficult to identify, and very difficult for police to track down. This means that prevention through criminal deterrence is a much more effective strategy for tackling metal crime.”

Copper thefts as a percentage of total metal thefts (2023-2025)