Proposals Aim to Disrupt Theft Supply Chain
The Mossos d'Esquadra are urging the introduction of stricter regulations on the sale and purchase of copper, amid a significant rise in thefts linked to high market prices. Superintendent Joan Salamaña, deputy head of the Superior Command of Citizen Security, stated that current legal frameworks allow thieves to sell stolen metal without needing to resort to black markets. "There need to be regulatory changes to help govern this metal trading space because, right now, thieves don't even have to go to the black market to sell; they can do it on the legal market," Salamaña told EFE. The Mossos propose restricting copper sales to professionals only, banning individuals from selling formats such as stripped or burnt cable. They also recommend requiring proof of origin and mandating bank transfers instead of cash payments to improve traceability.
Plan Vía Yields Early Results
These calls come as part of Plan Vía, launched in July 2026 by the Mossos and Adif, Spain’s national rail infrastructure manager, to combat copper theft on railway networks. Since its launch, 36 arrests have been made, six people investigated, two individuals sent to pre-trial detention, and three judicial restraining orders issued against access to railway property. A meeting on 7th October 2026 between the two bodies marked the first formal coordination under the plan, aimed at strengthening communication and identifying further preventive actions.
"The sale could be seen as the end of the theft process, but I see it as the beginning, because if the thief had difficulty selling and it wasn't worth it, they wouldn't even start." , Superintendent Joan Salamaña, Mossos d'Esquadra
Theft Reports Decline in October
Data from Adif shows a sustained increase in thefts throughout 2026, with 409 reports filed in the first half of the year alone, nearly matching the total for all of 2025, which was already a record year. Catalonia accounted for 37.8% of all incidents nationwide. However, October 2026 marked the first monthly decline in reported thefts, with 47 incidents compared to 54 in August and 67 in September. Service disruptions also fell, from 26 in August to 12 in October. "It's the first month where reported incidents have decreased," Salamaña said. "We must be doing something right."
Focus on Prevention Over Punishment
Thefts primarily target Rodalies commuter lines and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) infrastructure, where copper is more exposed. Around 30% of incidents occur at construction sites. Most suspects arrested, 96% of whom are men with prior convictions for property crime, appear to act individually rather than as part of organised groups. While tougher penalties are being considered, Salamaña stressed that the focus remains on prevention. The Mossos have conducted 61 inspections of metal traders and waste operators, resulting in 25 fines and three seizures. The regional government and Adif continue to collaborate on securing vulnerable points, increasing surveillance, and launching investigations. The Mossos’ online portal for reporting metal transactions remains active at mossos.gencat.cat.
Sources: La Razón Cataluña, Govern de Catalunya, Ara, diaricatalunya.cat.
