A man has been arrested on 57 charges after he was allegedly caught stealing copper wire

A man has been arrested on 57 charges relating to alleged copper wire thefts around Ipswich.

Detectives investigating an array of alleged copper wire thefts across Ipswich have arrested and charged a man with more than 50 offences.

The 38-year-old Silkstone man was arrested on the weekend.

He was charged with 27 counts of stealing, 28 counts of wilful damage and two counts of enter premises.

The man was due to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday.

Detectives from Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate.

Police are also appealing for information regarding the theft of copper wire or the disposal of copper wire at scrap metal dealers.

Since October, public and private properties had been specifically targeted for copper wire.

The locations targeted include sporting clubs, energy infrastructure and private residences in the greater Ipswich area.