Recently in Cambridge, thieves stole six high value vehicles including a Kubota excavator, digger, and roller worth £250K. It is just another headline for many but for utility companies, it is a serious threat. 

Utility theft is a growing concern for infrastructure contractors, energy providers, and utility project managers across Cambridgeshire. With critical infrastructure constantly expanding across urban centres and remote rural zones, opportunistic crime has become a costly threat. 

In this post, we explore how to prevent utility site theft in Cambridgeshire with local security expertise like Region Security Guarding who are a highly effective, locally backed utility security service in Cambridgeshire, which helps avoid theft and safeguard critical assets.

The Utility Site Theft Crisis in Cambridgeshire

Tool and cable thefts from utility and construction sites have surged in recent years. According to national data, Cambridgeshire ranks among the top regions affected by infrastructure-related theft, including incidents involving telecoms, water, gas, and electricity works.

High value equipment and temporary site setups are major concerns for utility companies to secure their operation zones. With poor visibility in rural areas with added concerns like loosely monitored entry points and unattended storage containers, there is a huge risk of financial loss and serious project delays.

Why is Cambridgeshire Uniquely at Risk?

Cambridgeshire is a wonderful county in the east of England but it presents a challenging security landscape for utility companies for the following reasons:

• Expansive rural areas like Fenland and East Cambridgeshire where limited lighting, response times, and surveillance are major challenges.
• Ongoing development projects in Cambridge, Huntingdon, and Ely require utility companies to work across public spaces and isolated fields.
• Lack of fixed or permanent infrastructure and temporary worksites makes it vulnerable to cable and tool thefts.

Cost of Utility Site Theft

It does not always end with petty thefts like cable and tools. The impact of theft extends to damage to high value equipment which causes service disruptions, project delays, health & safety concerns, and financial strain. 

Missing copper, fibre, or control units might interrupt essential services including power, water, or internet leading to investigations, rescheduling, and unnecessary replacements of stolen gears. If the damage is critical, there might be a need for equipment re-purchase putting pressure on utility sites for penalties and missed deadlines. 

That’s why you will need  professional utility & critical infrastructure protection services in Cambridgeshire.

5 Action Points to Prevent Utility Site Theft

1. Put People First: On-Site Guards Who Know the Area

No one knows Cambridgeshire like someone who works in it every day. Having experienced, SIA-licensed guards on-site, especially ones familiar with local routes, traffic patterns, and past theft incidents. This kind of security gives your site real-world protection, not just box-ticking. These aren’t just uniforms; they are a visible warning to would-be thieves and a reassurance to your teams on the ground.

2. Think Beyond the Fence: Mobile Patrols for Moving Projects

A lot of utility work happens on the move, like in the first week you’re laying fibre in Ely, and the next you’re working near St Ives. Fixed guards aren’t always practical. That’s where mobile patrols come in. Flexible, responsive, and GPS-tracked, they cover large, rural areas and respond quickly to anything suspicious. When sites shift, your security shifts with you.

3. Watchful Eyes After Hours: Smart CCTV That Thinks for You

Smart CCTV towers can be set up in minutes and give you a full 360° view with motion alerts and live monitoring. When thieves strike after dark as they often do, you will already have eyes on them and footage to act fast. It’s one of the simplest ways to outsmart opportunists. Note – CCTV cannot prevent thefts. So, it is advisable to have a security guard even if you have CCTV installed.

4. Secure the Gate: Keep Control of Who Comes In and Out

Utility sites are busy. It involves frequent flow of deliveries, contractors, and inspectors. But without control, they are just open doors for intruders. On-site security can log every vehicle, check ID badges, and manage access points so you always know who’s inside. Add in proper fencing and lighting, and you’ve already done half the work of prevention.

5. Plan with a Security Team That Gets Utilities

Security isn’t one-size-fits-all. Especially when you’re juggling gas mains, cabling routes, or sensitive telecom equipment, having a provider who understands Cambridgeshire’s unique risks can tailor coverage to your timeline, budget, and assets. Whether it’s a one-week job or a 12-month project, start with a proper site risk assessment and build from there.

How Region Security Guarding Helps Reduce Theft?

Region Security Guarding offers bespoke utility security solutions in Cambridgeshire backed by local deployment experience and SIA-qualified professionals. We help utility sites with a risk assessment and a security plan based on their threat level that is aligned with their operational hours and location.

Our services include:

• 24/7 Security for utility networks with highly trained and fully insured security guards
• Construction security solutions tailored to protect building sites, equipment, and materials from theft, trespassing, and vandalism.
• Guard dog security for high-risk or expansive sites where a visible deterrent and enhanced threat detection are essential.
• Static guarding services to maintain on-site presence, access control, and immediate response at commercial or sensitive locations.
• Manned guarding for utility projects at both short-term and long-term worksites.

What Do Our Clients Think About Our Service?

Jane from Aecom feels that we are professional and don’t hesitate to recommend competitive pricing. Here is his testimonial – “A professional and reliable service. Always easy to contact and has never let us down with cover. No hesitation in recommending and competitively priced also. After using an unreliable costly company for several years, it is a pleasure to do business with Region Security Guarding”

Rob Pell, Site Manager at CGL feels We are “Great company, professional services, friendly guards, and helpful at times when required.”

We are currently working with authorised utility works companies like British Solar Renewables, Synergy Solar, and much more. We would love to invite you to our prestigious list of companies we proudly serve. Contact us today!ork environment where health and safety stay front of mind, allowing everyone to stay focused and work safely.

What Sets Region Security Guarding Apart?

We stand out from other security companies because we go beyond traditional security services by offering real-time guard tracking systems and conducting regular on-site inspections, ensuring accountability and performance at every level.

• Our security guards and officers know Cambridgeshire in and out and hence they understand crime trends across Cambridgeshire, from the outskirts of Peterborough to the business parks of Cambridge.
• Our SIA-qualified static guards for utility sites in Cambridgeshire are trained to respond calmly and professionally to incidents.
• Fully qualified utility site security teams who have experience in protecting mid-range to large utility work areas including high-value equipment preventing damage and loss.
• Flexible contracts for seasonal, emergency, or ongoing site protection
• Cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on visibility, response, or deterrent effect

We work closely with procurement teams, site managers, and local authorities to ensure our presence is part of a wider infrastructure safety compliance strategy. From oil gas extraction sites to temporary telecoms builds, we provide comprehensive security tailored for utility providers in Cambridgeshire.

It’s time now to contact us. Get your free risk assessment and custom security plan for your utility site right away! 

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We have used Region security for quite a while now. Top notch service, great guards and helpful staff. We love our guards and the team for all of their help / work. No need to try the other companies at all."

Andy Yeomans - Jones Skips Ltd

Great company, professional services, friendly guards and helpful at times when required."

Rob Pell - Site Manager

A professional and reliable service. Always easy to contact and has never let us down with cover. No hesitation in recommending and competitively priced also. After using an unreliable costly company for several years it is a pleasure to do business with Region Security"

Jane Meier - Manager

Region Security were very helpful in providing security for our building. We had overnight security for around 4 months. The guards themselves were professional, easy to reach and adapted very well to our specific needs. Would definitely recommend Region for security needs.

Lambert Smith Hampton

Great service. Reliable and professional and our lovely security guard Hussein was so helpful, friendly but assertive with patients when needed. He quickly became a part of our team and we would love to keep him! Will definitely use this company again

East Trees Health Centre

Fantastic Service from start to finish with helpful, polite accommodating staff, we have used Region Security a few times now and always been happy with what they provide.

Leah Ramsden - Manager