Copper theft has become a serious problem in Spain, disrupting train services, telecommunications, and leading to expensive repairs. In Catalonia, the issue has escalated to a crisis, prompting the regional government to push for stronger legal measures that would allow for harsher punishments and easier convictions of those involved. Even the theft of a few meters of copper cable can cause delays and cancellations on the Rodalies rail network, which serves thousands of passengers daily. Between January and August 2026, the rail operator Adif reported 229 cases of cable theft in Catalonia, a significant increase from the 184 recorded across the entire previous year. In Barcelona, the area around França station was targeted six times in just ten days, severely affecting train operations. The theft of copper is driven by its high market value, which has risen due to the growing demand for electric vehicles, electrical infrastructure, and data centers that support artificial intelligence. Railway and telephone systems offer easily accessible metal, making them prime targets for thieves. This is no longer just a crime of small-time opportunists; in June 2025, the Spanish Guardia Civil uncovered an international criminal group suspected of stealing 157 tons of copper—equivalent to 134 kilometers of cable—worth over a million euros. The stolen material was transported to Romania for resale, and thirty-nine individuals were arrested in connection with the operation. Catalan authorities argue that current penalties do not fully reflect the damage caused by copper theft, especially the disruptions to public transport and the people who rely on it. To address this, the regional police have launched the Via plan, aimed at strengthening investigations, tracking repeat offenders, and tracing the networks involved in reselling stolen metal. Simply arresting the person who cuts the cable is often not enough to dismantle the entire criminal operation behind the theft. France is also grappling with a similar issue, as telecom company Orange reported 2,600 cases of copper theft in 2025, with an additional 2,200 incidents recorded in the first eight months of 2026. These thefts not only cost telecom providers millions but also leave residents and businesses without essential telephone and internet services, further complicating daily life and economic activity.