Wind power is at the heart of the UK’s clean energy transition, generating almost 83 TWh in 2024: enough to power half of UK households. But as wind farms grow in size and importance, they’re becoming increasingly attractive to organised criminals.
Protecting these remote, high-value sites is no longer just about stopping theft, it’s about keeping turbines turning, ensuring supply continuity, and safeguarding the energy transition itself.
Copper Theft on the Rise
In recent months, at least a dozen UK wind farms from Cambridgeshire to Humberside have been hit by coordinated copper thefts, with criminals stripping cabling from multiple turbines in a single raid (The Guardian, June 2025). Copper’s soaring resale value (around £7,000 per tonne in 2025) only fuels this trend.
The broader cost of metal theft is stark: a UK parliamentary group has estimated annual losses to the economy at £500 million (elearncollege.com). For wind farm operators, the consequences are immediate; downtime, replacement costs, and disrupted operations.
The Unique Security Challenges of Wind Farms
- Remote, rural sites: Intruders can work undisturbed for hours.
- Minimal onsite staff: Fewer deterrents mean higher repeat risk.
- Large areas to cover: Traditional security measures often fall short.
- High-value copper cabling: The prime target for organised crime groups.
Choosing the Right Security Partner who can help
When selecting a security partner, operators should look for expertise in protecting remote, high-value sites and the ability to respond quickly to emerging threats. Key considerations include the availability of fully monitored systems, solutions suited to off-grid locations, and a proactive approach to preventing incidents before they cause disruption. A partner who can tailor security plans to the unique layout and risks of each site helps ensure turbines keep turning and renewable energy continues to flow.
Security Priorities for Operators
To stay ahead of threats, operators should focus on:
- Rapid deployment – Systems that can be installed quickly for immediate protection.
- 24/7 monitored surveillance – With 360° coverage, deterrent sounders, and instant response.
- Off-grid security pods – Solar/battery-powered protection for remote sites.
- Tailored site plans – Risk assessments to ensure the right mix of detection, deterrence, and response.
Securing the Energy Transition
As wind power continues to play a pivotal role in the UK’s clean energy future, robust site security is not just a protective measure it’s an operational necessity. By partnering with specialists who understand the unique risks of remote, high-value assets, operators can safeguard infrastructure, minimise downtime, and ensure renewable energy keeps powering millions of homes.
At VPS, we specialise in protecting wind farms and other critical infrastructure with rapid-deployment, off-grid security solutions. If you’d like to discuss how we can help safeguard your sites, please get in touch with our team today.
Email tellmemore@vpsgroup.com or call 0330 005 5300