Copper Cable Thieves Target Scottish Wind Farms, Causing Tens of Thousands in Damages and Raising Security Concerns
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Copper cable thieves targeted two onshore wind farms in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, between July 3 and 4, causing tens of thousands of pounds in damages.
Thieves forced entry into multiple turbines at Eneco's Tullo wind farm and TRIG-owned Meikle Carewe wind farm, stealing valuable copper cabling.
Police Scotland believes the thefts are linked and involved a large vehicle, appealing for public vigilance and information regarding suspicious activity.
The incidents underscore growing security challenges for remote renewable energy infrastructure, impacting project economics and operational reliability.
Aberdeenshire, Scotland – Copper cable thieves have targeted two onshore wind farms in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, resulting in tens of thousands of pounds in losses and raising significant concerns about renewable energy infrastructure security. Between Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4, raiders forced entry into multiple turbines at Eneco's Tullo wind farm near Laurencekirk and TRIG-owned Meikle Carewe wind farm in Stonehaven, stealing valuable copper cabling.
At the Tullo wind farm, a project located in Easter Tulloch and operated by Eneco, thieves struck overnight between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. During this period, three individual wind turbines were breached, and their internal copper cables were systematically removed. Similarly, at the Meikle Carewe wind farm in Stonehaven, managed by RES for owner TRIG, a turbine was forcibly entered, and copper cables were stolen between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM on the same dates.
Detective Sergeant Kim Patterson of Kittybrewster Police Station confirmed the incidents, stating, “We believe these thefts are linked and that those responsible, due to the remoteness of both areas, would need to have used a fairly large vehicle.” She emphasized the substantial financial impact, noting, “Whilst the value has yet to be confirmed, it is believed it will run into tens of thousands of pounds.” Police Scotland has appealed for public vigilance and information, urging anyone who observed unusual activity or vehicles near the sites to contact authorities.
These thefts highlight a persistent challenge for the renewable energy sector, particularly for remote onshore assets. The rising market value of raw materials like copper often makes energy infrastructure a target for organized criminal groups. Such incidents not only result in direct financial losses for project owners but also lead to operational downtime, repair costs, and potential delays in energy generation, impacting grid stability and revenue streams. The industry is increasingly focused on enhancing site security measures, including improved fencing, surveillance systems, and community engagement, to protect these vital clean energy assets. The incidents in Aberdeenshire serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for robust security protocols across the expanding renewable energy landscape.