First Response Group (FRG) has unveiled a new seismic detection technology designed to tackle the escalating problem of cable theft across the UK’s rail, energy and construction sectors.
The system, called FRG Tremors, uses seismic sensors to detect tampering with laid cables or cable drums in storage and can track stolen materials in real time using encrypted GPS technology. Exclusive to FRG in the UK, the solution is aimed at critical infrastructure operators facing mounting disruption and costs from metal theft.
According to the company, each unit can operate autonomously for up to three years on a single battery and has been engineered for deployment in remote or exposed areas where CCTV or motion sensors are unreliable. Early trials across six live infrastructure sites, including rail feeder lines and signalling routes, reported zero thefts and no false alarms during a 60-day test period.
James Reed, Head of Construction and Infrastructure at FRG, said the new system “changes the model from passive surveillance to active response”. He added: “We can identify an attempted theft in seconds, deploy canine or mobile units, and prevent the damage before it occurs. For operators already battling inflation and budget pressure, the cost of prevention is now far lower than the cost of recovery.”
FRG Tremors transmits an encrypted signal to FRG’s 24-hour control centre when tampering is detected, triggering alerts to nominated response teams and the police. Should materials be removed, onboard GPS activates automatically, allowing real-time tracking until recovery.
The launch follows growing warnings from industry and law enforcement about the resurgence of metal theft. The Office for National Statistics reported a 42% increase in “theft of metal” offences between 2022 and 2024, while the Energy Networks Association said the crime continues to cause millions of pounds in losses and risks to public safety. The British Transport Police has also noted a rise in thefts along rail corridors, leading to signalling delays and train cancellations.
The issue comes amid heightened financial strain for UK businesses. The British Chambers of Commerce recently warned that companies “cannot absorb further shocks” ahead of the Autumn Budget, as inflation, energy costs and insurance premiums remain high. For many operators, cable theft now represents not just an operational headache but a direct threat to business continuity.
FRG said it plans a nationwide rollout of FRG Tremors through its regional security hubs, with initial deployment prioritised across utilities, rail and energy networks, as well as vacant property portfolios. Interest has also come from renewable-energy and data-centre operators seeking protection for remote assets.
Reed said the system reflects a broader trend towards technology-led security integration: “We’re seeing an increasing need for systems that work where cameras and security officers cannot. That means battery autonomy, secure data transmission, GPS accuracy and rapid integration with live-response networks. FRG Tremors brings all of that into one deployable solution.”
The company, which employs more than 2,000 staff across eight UK offices, said the technology can be layered with its existing digital monitoring platform and complementary systems, including mobile perimeter detection, CCTV and access control, to provide multi-tiered defence for clients.
Since its founding in 2007, Leeds-based FRG has grown into one of the UK’s leading providers of integrated security and facilities management services, working with both public and private sector clients nationwide.
