In response to the persistent issue of cable theft affecting rail networks and energy infrastructures, First Response Group (FRG) has introduced FRG Tremors.
This innovative seismic detection system identifies tampering with both laid cables and stored cable drums and enables real-time tracking of stolen cables, granting operators immediate oversight of vital infrastructure and the means to swiftly react.
Seismic Sensors for Real-Time Monitoring
Upon detecting tampering, an encrypted signal is relayed to FRG’s continuously operating control center
FRG Tremors, exclusively available through First Response Group in the UK, employs seismic sensors designed to detect vibrations, tilting, and movement around cables and related infrastructure.
Upon detecting tampering, an encrypted signal is relayed to FRG’s continuously operating control center, which then notifies the designated response teams and police authorities.
Should any cable material be taken, an onboard GPS system with jamming detection is activated, allowing law enforcement to track and recover stolen cables in real time.
Long-lasting Battery and Versatile Application
The system operates autonomously with a long-life battery lasting up to three years, suited for remote and exposed environments where traditional motion sensors and CCTV are less effective, like railway lines, renewable energy sites, and unoccupied commercial properties.
FRG reports that during its trials, conducted at six active infrastructure locations including rail feeder lines, there was no theft recorded, and the sensors remained reliable even in adverse weather conditions with no false alarms during a 60-day period of testing.
Addressing the Rising Threat of Metal Theft
The system’s introduction coincides with increased warnings from industry and law enforcement
The system’s introduction coincides with increased warnings from industry and law enforcement related to the resurgence in metal theft, which industry bodies like the Energy Networks Association say causes millions in losses annually and poses risks to public safety and power continuity.
The British Transport Police have noted a rise in such thefts, resulting in delays and service cancellations.
Moreover, the Office for National Statistics has documented a 42% increase in metal theft incidents from 2022 to 2024.
Economic Context and Business Continuity
The unveiling of FRG Tremors is timely as UK businesses are under financial strain. The British Chambers of Commerce has cautioned that companies cannot handle additional economic shocks amidst ongoing inflation and high energy and insurance costs.
With theft leading to prolonged disruptions, the perception of security breaches has shifted from being a mere inconvenience to a significant risk to business continuity.
Innovative Security Approach
James Reed, head of construction and infrastructure at First Response Group, highlighted the severity of cable theft as a pressing issue for UK infrastructure, stating, “FRG Tremors changes the model from passive surveillance to active response - we can identify an attempted theft in seconds, deploy canine or mobile units, and prevent the damage before it occurs.”
Reed also emphasized the cost-effectiveness of prevention compared to recovery, noting the need for integrated systems capable of functioning in challenging environments.
Comprehensive Security Integration
FRG Tremors is part of a broader strategy by FRG to merge technology with human resources across its national network. This system connects with FRG’s existing digital platform used for alarm responses, which offers a cohesive view of threat detection, escalation, and incident resolution.
It can be combined with other systems such as M-PIDS, CCTV, and access control for a layered defense approach.
Nationwide Deployment Plans
First Response Group aims to expand the reach of FRG Tremors throughout the UK using its regional security hubs, prioritizing areas like utilities, rail, and energy infrastructures.
There has also been early interest from operators in the renewable energy and data center sectors looking for enhanced protection of remote assets. The company points out that the system’s affordability and scalability render it suitable for both temporary and permanent installations.
As cable theft continues to plague rail networks, energy systems, construction and utilities sites and vacant commercial properties, First Response Group (FRG) has unveiled FRG Tremors - a breakthrough seismic detection system that senses tampering to both laid cable and cable drums in storage, and tracks stolen cable in real time, giving operators instant visibility over critical infrastructure and the means to respond immediately.
FRG Tremors, exclusive to First Response Group in the UK, uses seismic sensors to monitor vibration, tilt and movement around cabling and associated infrastructure.
When tampering is detected, an encrypted signal is transmitted to FRG’s 24-hour control center, which alerts nominated response teams and police. If material is removed, onboard GPS with jamming detection activates, enabling stolen cable to be tracked in real time until recovery by law enforcement.
Long-life battery
Each unit operates autonomously on a long-life battery for up to three years and is engineered to function in remote or exposed environments where traditional CCTV and motion sensors struggle, such as along rail lines, renewable-energy sites, compounds storing material awaiting installation or empty commercial properties awaiting reoccupation.
According to FRG, the system has already been proving effective in trials across six live infrastructure facilities, including rail feeder lines and signaling cable routes, recording zero level theft throughout the pilot. The sensors performed reliably in high winds, rainfall and mixed terrain, with no false alarms recorded during 60 consecutive days of live testing.
Ground-breaking security system
The ground-breaking security system’s launch follows mounting warnings from industry bodies and law enforcement about the resurgence of metal theft. The Energy Networks Association says the crime continues to cause millions in losses every year, putting public safety and power continuity at risk.
British Transport Police has also reported a rise in thefts along rail corridors, leading to signaling delays and cancellations. Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics recorded a 42 per cent increase in “theft of metal” offences between 2022 and 2024.
The launch of FRG Tremors comes at a time of already heightened financial strain for UK businesses. Ahead of the Autumn Budget 2025, the British Chambers of Commerce has warned that firms “cannot absorb further shocks” as inflation, energy costs and insurance premiums remain elevated.
With material theft often causing weeks of disruption, security failures are now being viewed not as an operational nuisance, but as a business-continuity and balance-sheet risk.
Cable theft
“Cable theft has become one of the most damaging and costly crimes facing UK infrastructure,” said James Reed, head of construction and infrastructure at First Response Group: “FRG Tremors changes the model from passive surveillance to active response - 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.”
“We’re seeing an increasing need for systems that work where cameras and security officers cannot,” Reed added. “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.”
Integrating technology and human-power
FRG Tremors forms part of FRG’s wider strategy to integrate technology and human-power across its national network. The system interfaces with FRG’s digital platform, which is already used for alarm response and enables a unified picture of threat detection, escalation and incident closure.
It can also be layered with complementary systems such as M-PIDS (mobile perimeter intruder detection), CCTV and access control for multi-tiered defense.
FRG said it plans to roll out FRG Tremors nationwide through its regional security hubs, with priority deployment across utilities, rail and energy infrastructure, as well as large property portfolios managing vacant assets. Early interest has also come from renewables and data-center operators seeking protection for remote assets.
The company emphasized that the system’s cost-efficiency and scalability make it suitable for both short-term and permanent installations.
