Police admit the menace of copper wires and meter theft cannot be stopped completely, but they are trying to minimise it
In recent months, Guwahati has witnessed a rise in the theft of copper wires, electrical meters, and other valuable equipment. From hospitals to residential neighbourhoods, thieves have targeted both public and private property, raising questions about whether this is a coordinated criminal racket or simply drug addicts looking for quick cash.
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One such case is that of Dr. Himshikha Bhuyan, Founder of Midline Dental Care in Guwahati.
Talking to GPlus, Dr. Bhuyan said, "During the past two months, the copper wires of the air conditioner installed in the reception area have been stolen for the fourth time," she said. “Apart from that, there have been reports of theft in the neighbourhood area. JICA machines were stolen, and even phones. Something has to be done about this.”
According to her, these thefts are happening with alarming frequency. “These thieves are increasing in our area. They are even caught on cameras," she told GPlus. The repeated theft of such valuable materials, especially copper, has sparked concerns across the city, leading many to question who is behind these crimes.
On October 17, a theft incident at the Superspeciality Hospital Campus, GMCH, highlighted the severity of the issue. Early that morning, private security at GMCH apprehended a suspect, Kankan Deka, who had stolen fire-fighting equipment. According to reports, Deka sold the stolen goods to scrap dealers, and the items were recovered from two scrap yards in Rupnagar and Ulubari. The total value of the stolen items exceeded Rs 50,000.
This incident, like many others, has raised serious concerns about the security of public institutions in Guwahati. While the items were recovered, the frequency of such thefts has left many questioning the effectiveness of campus security. The GMCH administration has appealed to the Bhangagarh police station for a thorough investigation, hoping that this would deter future thefts.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from Guwahati Police, provided some insight into the nature of these crimes. “Whenever any criminal case gets registered, we investigate it thoroughly. Each case is different, and actions are taken as per the law. We will have to find out the number of cases in the area and adapt our strategies accordingly,” he said. The official also acknowledged that some housing societies have taken it upon themselves to install CCTV cameras and hire private security.
The police, however, suspect a larger network behind these crimes. "This is always an organized crime. It’s about selling. It’s about reselling,” said the senior officer, hinting at the involvement of scrap dealers who purchase stolen materials. In the GMCH case, for instance, the stolen fire-fighting equipment was quickly sold to scrap yards, pointing to a well-oiled chain of demand and supply.
The police official also stressed that the frequency of thefts varies from one area to another, and certain parts of the city are more vulnerable. “Depending on the area and the issue, strategies are devised. We are checking with the OCs and the DCPs to tackle these problems. In some areas, societies are more proactive and have taken steps like installing CCTV and hiring security,” he added.
The repeated thefts of copper wires across the city suggest that copper has become a valuable commodity in Guwahati’s underground economy. According to experts, copper has a high resale value, and scrap dealers are willing to pay good money for it. Thieves often target air conditioners, electrical wiring, and other infrastructure where copper is used, stripping it off and selling it at scrap yards.
A GMDA official told GPlus that the copper wires installed in Lachit Nagar for streetlights and beautification have been stolen multiple times. “We have installed them many times, but they keep getting stolen,” the official lamented. These thefts not only cause financial losses but also disrupt public infrastructure, leaving streets dark and businesses without electricity.
While copper theft is rampant, it’s not limited to this metal alone. Electrical meters, JICA machines, and even phones are being stolen, often by desperate individuals looking for items they can sell quickly.
While organised crime is a major factor, police also believe that drug addiction plays a significant role in the rise of thefts.
Another senior police official told GPlus that many of these thefts are carried out by drug addicts. “Some of these thieves operate in groups, and for them, it’s a business.
However, another group of thieves are suspected to be drug addicts. After they sell these wires and meters, they use the money to buy drugs,” he said.
The official also acknowledged that while it’s difficult to completely stop these crimes, the police are working to minimise their frequency. “This cannot be stopped easily, but we are working on reducing it,” he added.
The recovery of stolen items from scrap yards has led to speculation about a deeper nexus between thieves and scrap dealers in the city. In many cases, stolen goods are quickly sold to scrap dealers, who then melt down the copper or resell the items without asking questions. This makes it difficult for the police to track stolen goods once they enter the scrap market.
The involvement of scrap dealers was evident in the GMCH incident, where stolen goods were traced back to two scrap yards in Rupnagar and Ulubari. This has led many to believe that scrap dealers are not merely passive receivers of stolen goods but active participants in the crime. Police are now focusing on tightening the noose around these dealers, who are suspected of creating a steady demand for stolen copper and other materials.
The rise in thefts has compelled authorities to take a closer look at security measures across the city. In some areas, housing societies have installed CCTV cameras and hired private security to deter thieves. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains in question, as thieves often manage to escape even after being caught on camera.
The police are also focusing on identifying hotspots where these crimes are more frequent. “We are working area-wide strategies depending on the frequency of crimes. Some areas are more vulnerable than others, and we are concentrating on those,” said a police official.
For residents like Dr. Bhuyan, the repeated thefts have caused immense frustration. “Something has to be done about this,” she said.
The senior police official also explained the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate workers and thieves. "There are genuine workers from the electricity or telecom departments who are authorized to work on the wires in the streets. Often, they are seen repairing or maintaining the infrastructure. However, the challenge arises because these thieves sometimes pose as workers. Unless someone gets suspicious and asks them for identification, it’s hard to tell if they are there for legitimate work or to steal the wires," the official said.
As Guwahati struggles with the rising cases of copper wire and meter theft, the question remains: is this the work of a well-coordinated racket or desperate individuals driven by drug addiction? While the police continue to crack down on suspects and recover stolen goods, the frequency of these thefts points to deeper issues. Are scrap dealers fueling this crime by creating a market for stolen goods? And what role does drug addiction play in pushing individuals to steal?
