CABLE thefts have surged in Essex, with 24 reported incidents in August and September.
The figure is 60 per cent higher than in June and 15 per cent up on the same period last year, according to DeterTech crime intelligence.
Richard Crisp, intelligence analyst at DeterTech, said: "The UK has recently seen a dramatic increase in the price of fuel and cable.
"Criminals have been quick to exploit this price increase over the past six months, with more organised groups now involved in the theft of cable and fuel."
Transport and telecoms sites are the main targets because their infrastructure, including railways and data networks, contains large amounts of copper.
Organised groups are believed to use vehicles to steal hundreds of metres of cable at a time.
Most thefts happen between 11pm and 4am.
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Cable thefts are expected to rise in winter as the nights draw in.
NICRP members in Essex should stay alert and review their security, especially if cable is used or stored on site.
DeterTech is urging the public to report every fuel, cable or metal theft to police.
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