Adif has reported 409 thefts of cable in the first half of 2026, a figure that nearly matches the total for 2025. The Community of Madrid accounts for 9.4% of incidents since 2018, making it the fourth region with the most thefts.
The theft of railway cable has become a headache for travellers in the Community of Madrid. According to Adif's data, the region has accumulated 9.4% of the reports made since 2018, placing it as the fourth autonomous community with the most incidents of this type, behind Catalonia, Aragon, and Andalusia.
A wave that does not cease
In the first half of 2026, Adif has reported 409 cable thefts across the Spanish railway network, a figure that almost equals the 345 reports for all of 2024 and approaches the record of 2025. The upward trend is evident: after a low of 121 reports in 2020, the number has been increasing to exceed 400 in just six months.
In Madrid, the thefts affect key sections of the Cercanías network and high-speed lines, according to Adif sources. The theft of copper cable, essential for electrification and signalling systems, causes delays and service interruptions that thousands of users suffer daily.
"Replacing the stolen material requires partial or total suspension of operations, which causes significant inconvenience to travellers," Adif explains.
Stricter penalties underway
In light of this situation, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced a proposal to reform Article 240 of the Penal Code and increase penalties for railway cable theft. The initiative aims to align penalties with the severity of crimes that affect strategic infrastructure and essential public services.
In Madrid, the thefts are concentrated in peripheral areas and sections of the Cercanías network, where the cabling is more accessible. Adif has strengthened surveillance in the most affected areas, but thieves act quickly, often in the early hours and in remote locations.
Consequences for the traveller
For the Cercanías user, cable theft results in unexpected delays and last-minute cancellations. So far this year, several lines have experienced interruptions for this reason, especially in the southern and eastern areas of the Community of Madrid. Adif reminds that replacing the material can take hours, and even days if the damage is severe.
The company maintains close coordination with the State Security Forces to pursue these crimes. However, recidivism is high: many of the thefts occur at the same points, forcing repeated replacements of the cable.
For the Madrid traveller, the recommendation is to check the status of the network before leaving home and to pay attention to Renfe's alerts. The next time the train stops mid-journey, it may be due to a cable thief.
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