EDP distribuição: Smart solutions against the theft of power equipments

In the last decade the price of copper has quadrupled; in the last year it has doubled compared to previous years. This price increase has contributed to the growing market of used and scrap, with copper being an attractive market worldwide. The theft of copper is not a phenomenon confined to the Portuguese market. The rocketing international price of this raw material, in recent years, has boosted this crime all over the world. In Portugal, the theft of copper has already expanded to several regions and sectors of activity, but it is in the energy sector that its impact is more significant. The theft of overhead line copper conductors and other distribution network equipments containing copper has increased significantly between 2008 and 2011. Most of the increase has occurred in isolated and rural areas. (4 pages)