Gang arrested after allegedly stealing $100,000 worth of batteries

Five people have been arrested and two charged after allegedly stealing more than $100,000 worth of batteries from sites on the Gold Coast. WATCH THE POLICE RAID

A GANG of accused Gold Coast battery thieves have been nabbed after allegedly stealing more than $100,000 worth of deep cycle batteries from mobile phone towers.

Police say that between January and May of this year, mobile phone towers for all the major telcos have been targeted by thieves looking for the batteries.

“Collectively the companies have reported up to $125,000 worth of batteries being taken, with some of the sites allegedly raided on multiple occasions,” a police spokesman said.

“Deep cycle batteries are at mobile phone tower locations as a backup power source in the event of a mains power outage.

“The batteries have been advertised for sale on social media sites and primarily purchased by people living from an alternative a power source such as solar or wind, as well those wanting an extended power supply on camping trips.”

Following extensive investigations by detectives in the Coomera Property Team, five people were taken into custody at a Southport address on Tuesday where 36 deep cycle batteries were allegedly located.

Items believed to be associated with a clandestine drug laboratory were also seized.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with seven counts of enter premises and one count of breach of bail.

A 34-year-old woman has also been charged with two counts of drug possession and one count each of enter premises and fail to dispose.

Further charges are expected to be laid in coming days as the investigation progresses, police said.

They are asking members of the community to be wary of purchasing the batteries from a second-hand source and to contact police if they are suspicious.

Originally published as Gang arrested after allegedly stealing $100,000 worth of batteries