Police target scrap metal yards after thieves strip cable from Logan City Centre

A Woolworths store at a large shopping centre south of Brisbane was forced to close after thieves stripped electrical cable.

Police have put scrap metal dealers on alert after thieves stripped copper electrical wiring from a large southside shopping centre, forcing it to shut its underground car park and its Woolworths store on Tuesday.

It was the fifth time this year that copper thieves had targeted the Triple Cee Shopping Centre, on Kingston Rd at Logan Central.

The underground carpark was closed at Logan City Centre on Tuesday after copper wire cable was stolen, leaving parts of the centre and Woolworths unearthed.

Centre manager Tracy Warren said the alleged thieves broke into the underground carpark just after midnight on Tuesday and stripped the centre’s earthing cable, which is made of copper wiring.

The copper can fetch up to $40/kg from scrap metal.

“They left the wires hanging down and we had to shut the carpark and Woolworths because they were both unsafe without earthed cables,” Ms Warren said.

“Woolworths remained shut until 6pm last night because the store then had to reboot all of its electrical appliances and fridges.

“Earlier this year thieves also stole the copper water piping which left about eight stores without water.

“They have also targeted out gas lines, and airconditioning systems.”

Woolworths staff in the above-ground carpark after their shop was shut when the safety electrical cable was stolen.

Acting superintendent Logan District Peter Miles said police were cracking down on scrap metal yards to check for stolen goods including copper wire.

“It is very frustrating but we can check records that each outlet keeps to make sure that the copper they are onselling is not stolen,” he said.

“It is difficult to patrol but we are aware of the issue and are watching.”

Services at the Triple Cee Shopping Centre returned to normal last night.