A Western Balkans Crime gang is travelling to Ireland to steal metal.
They’re tearing down ESB electricity cables and taking copper wires from businesses and farms.
Metal theft is a very lucrative crime with a tonne of pure copper fetching up to €6,000 and Tim Dalton, Chairman of Crimestoppers, says it affects large numbers of businesses and communities:
"ESB networks, Irish Rail, eircom...and farmers. Anybody who has metal on display is a target."
Around 120km of copper wire has been stolen from the ESB Network in the past three years. That’s a loss of €27 million. One person has died trying to cut down wires, but that hasn’t stopped other criminals giving it a go, as Senan Colleran from the ESB explains:
"Since 2012, we've had 685 incidents. They're breaking into our substations and cutting down wire"
Assistant Commissioner Derek Byrne says the crime has even attracted gangs from other countries:
"West Balkan crime groups, the indications are some are flying in for short periods of time."
Members of the public are being asked to be more vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, particularly in rural areas. Crimestoppers can be contacted on 1800 25 00 25.
