Copper thefts in Cyprus surge

Thefts of copper have surged over the last year as prices spiral to up to €6,500 per tonne, despite the risks thieves face of electrocuting themselves as they cut power lines to sell copper wiring to scrapyards.

The electricity authority of Cyprus (EAC) told the Cyprus Mail there had been a spike in the theft of copper wires this year, while data available from the police last year showed that there were dozens of complaints filed for stolen copper items in general including agricultural machinery.