E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N

and surging demand for power and capacity is of course music to the ears of investors and operators . However , it has also caught the attention of organised criminal gangs ( OCGs ).

At DeterTech we operate a crime intelligence portal for the police and critical infrastructure companies that helps track the movements and targets of these OCGs . Based on this we can confidently state that data centres , particularly those under construction or undergoing significant upgrades are highly vulnerable . In most cases the target is cable , which we ’ re seeing taken in eye-watering quantities .

For example , in 2024 there were at least 120 reported cable theft offences against UK solar farms and a staggering 150 % year-on-year increase in reported thefts of more than 20km of cable at a time . Just as concerning is the high likelihood of sites being hit again within a matter of months . Often just as quickly as the stolen cable can be replaced .

The result is unexpected delays , disruption and increased insurance premiums . That ’ s a problem for any operator . But it ’ s compounded for data centre operators who typically schedule new builds and upgrades within strict timeframes to avoid disrupting key business periods . It is in any operators ’ self-interest to revisit security plans and to implement additional stringent physical measures , especially during the construction and refurbishment phase .

First it is important to consider each site and its specific vulnerabilities . The construction and refurbishment phase is when planned permanent security solutions are most likely to be offline , less effective or poorly placed . Often , perimeter fencing can also easily be cut with an angle grinder . So now is the time to bring in temporary visually verified intruder detection systems .

Unlike unmonitored CCTV , these systems can actively deter theft and easily be relocated to the parts of the site where they can have the greatest impact . They can also trigger a rapid security or police response before offenders are able to steal cable and create power supply and stability issues . Furthermore , the number of devices can quickly be scaled up on sites that are considered particularly vulnerable or that have been recently hit . This changes the environment and significantly reduces the chances of repeat victimisation taking place .

Finally , the clearly signposted forensic marking of valuable items such as cable , equipment and machinery is also highly advised . SmartWater has a 100 % conviction rate in contested court cases meaning it not only aids recovery but also acts as a clear deterrent to criminal activities . �

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