April 17, 2013
Police are asking the public to be alert and contact them if they see any suspicious activity in or around electricity sub-stations, construction sites, or Queensland Rail properties.
Thieves have been targeting these places to steal copper, and then selling it to scrap metal yards.
Energex has reported that $2 million worth of copper is stolen from their work sites every year in Queensland.
“This type of offence has many impacts on our community, not to say the least, it is contributing to the rising cost of our electricity bills each quarter” a Neighbourhood Watch spokesman said.
Thieves are also targeting new housing developments.
“Once the electrician has been through and wired up the home, thieves come through and rip out the wiring to strip it for the copper,” the spokesman said.
“Electrical company warehouses and other construction sites are also targeted.”
Queensland Rail has also reported that copper theft is a problem causing disruption to commuters and rail networks.
Train lines in parts of the State have had to be shut down to repair damaged wires after thieves damaged them removing copper.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity should contact Policelink on 13-14-44.
Anyone with information about copper thefts can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800-333-000.
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