Police Warn of Rising Copper Cable Thefts Across East Riding

Monday 12th October 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

Humberside Police’s Rural Task Force is urging residents, landowners, farmers, and business owners across the East Riding — including the Bridlington area — to stay vigilant following a sharp rise in copper cable thefts.

Offenders have been targeting infrastructure belonging to the BT network, as well as solar and wind farm sites, stealing valuable cabling and causing significant disruption to services and operations.

Police warn that these crimes can lead to:

• Loss of telephone and internet services

• Disruption to businesses and local communities

• Costly repairs and downtime for affected sites

• Serious safety risks to offenders and the public

Residents are asked to be alert for suspicious activity around telephone cabinets, utility infrastructure, solar farms, wind farms, construction sites, or remote rural locations, particularly during hours of darkness.

Examples of suspicious behaviour include:

• Unmarked vans or vehicles parked near infrastructure sites

• Individuals wearing high‑visibility clothing without clear identification

• People cutting, loading, or removing cables

• Activity at isolated sites outside normal working hours

If you witness suspicious activity, report it immediately.

• Call 999 if a crime is in progress or there’s an immediate threat to safety.

• Use 101 for non‑emergency reports or submit details online via the Humberside Police website, ensuring you mention it’s a rural crime.

Your information could help prevent further offences and identify those responsible.

For crime prevention advice, visit: Humberside Police Crime Prevention

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