The Cabinet has discussed measures to address the increasing theft of copper wires, the President’s Office has said.

The President’s Office said the Cabinet discussed the issue at a meeting held last Sunday, citing the “increasing problem of theft of copper wires to export at high prices”.

No further details have been released on the measures being considered.

Copper wire theft from electricity transformers, roadside and building cables, outdoor air conditioning units and connected copper pipes has become increasingly common.

Several people have been arrested in connection with such thefts. Last year, a man was electrocuted and died while attempting to steal copper from a transformer.