Introduction
Wire theft, particularly involving copper from electrical infrastructure, is a costly and dangerous issue worldwide. This illegal activity not only leads to power outages and economic losses but also poses severe electrocution risks.
Utility companies suffer billions in annual losses due to cable theft, which impacts essential services and raises consumer costs. Despite various security measures, tracking stolen metals and apprehending thieves remains challenging. To address this issue, Tondo Smart Ltd. developed an AI-powered wire theft detection system, now deployed across Israel’s national transport infrastructure.
Challenges
Copper wire theft is driven by the high resale value of the metal, leading to frequent and costly thefts from electrical infrastructures. The consequences are severe, including power outages, service disruptions, and significant financial losses. For utility companies and infrastructure operators, traditional security measures often fall short in preventing or quickly detecting theft, making it a complex issue that requires innovative solutions.
“A report has been received regarding the theft of electrical infrastructure at a railway station in the southern part of the country. Two trenches were discovered from which communication cables buried in the ground were removed, totaling approximately 300 meters. This caused significant damage and has disrupted the signaling and traffic management systems of the railway in the southern region.”
Israel Railways Spokesperson
Solution Overview: Tondo Cloud IQ and Cabinet IQ Energy Analytics
Smart Hardware Integration: Tondo’s Cabinet IQ is installed at the utility service point. Tondo’s Cloud IQ AI provides immediate indications when a circuit is compromised.
AI-Based Detection: Cloud IQ collects data from Cabinet IQ, analyzing it through sophisticated AI algorithms to detect theft patterns.
Proactive Alerts and Deterrence: Upon detecting a potential theft, the system sends instant alerts to relevant managers and can control other devices such as triggering the flashing of lights to deter thieves.
Comprehensive Implementation: Deployed across Netivei Israel, this solution manages over 100,000 streetlights and 2,000 cabinet controllers along 5,000 miles of roads.
Results
Significant Savings: The implementation of Tondo’s Cloud IQ and AI-powered theft detection system has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in the past year by preventing wire theft.
Immediate Response: Cloud IQ’s real-time alerts allow field teams to respond quickly to theft incidents, minimizing damage and service disruptions.
Enhanced Security: The flashing light deterrent solution Tondo created for Netivei has proven effective in preventing theft attempts, contributing to overall infrastructure security.
