Gardaí say criminal gangs are arriving in from abroad to steal metal from communities and businesses in Ireland.
Investigators say Ireland’s electricity, public transport and communications networks have all been targeted by metal thieves in recent months.
They said criminals have made off with large amounts of electrical cable, signal cable and copper wire.
Assistant Garda Commissioner John O'Driscoll said international gangs are target isolated areas in Ireland.
“They have travelled from abroad and their market is abroad,” he said.
“So we are targeting those people, clearly, who are committing the serious crime involved.
“But also those who readily accept the product that is stolen and create the market for the metal that is subject of theft.”
Gardai are launching a new campaign to tackle the issue of metal theft. In 2019, there have been 43 break ins to ESB substations. They are appealing to the public to report any suspicious activity. pic.twitter.com/keoTNckUlE
— Niall Colbert (@NiallColbert1) November 12, 2019
Gardaí said a sharp increase in break-ins at ESB Network stations is of “particular concern.”
There have been 43 break-ins recorded at High Voltage stations so far this year – double the number recorded in the past two years.
ESB Networks spokesman Paul Mulvaney said that is taking its toll on the business.
“You are talking in the order of maybe €100,000 in this year alone,” he said.
The gangs are not simply targeting ESB cabling – they are also stealing road signs, beer kegs, electrical goods, letterboxes and goal posts.
Gardaí have joined Crimestoppers and the ESB in launching a new campaign aimed at tackling the issue.
They are calling on anyone who is aware of any suspicious activity near electricity installation to contact them.
They are also urging anyone involved in the metal market to ask appropriate questions of anyone looking to sell metal and report anything unusual.
With reporting from Niall Colbert
