Highpoint Shopping Centre: CCTV release amid hunt for copper thieves

Footage has emerged as police hunt for two men believed to have stolen $20,000 of copper wiring from a worksite near Highpoint.

Police have released CCTV after two men spent close to three hours stripping copper wiring from a worksite in Maribyrnong.

Investigators believe the two men entered the worksite, at the corner of Aquatic Drive and Rosamond Rd near Highpoint Shopping Centre, sometime after 12.15am on September 12.

A Victoria Police spokesman said $20,000 of copper wire was stolen from the site.

“Police were told they began stripping copper wires from the floor and walls,” he said.

“Anyone who recognises the men or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.”

Police have released CCTV of two men believed to have stolen $20,000 of copper wire from a worksite in Maribyrnong on September 12, 2022. Picture: Victoria Police.

On Friday, detectives release CCTV of the men wanted for questioning over the incident, seen carrying suitcases from the site.

A spike in copper wiring theft across Victoria is causing power outages and even delaying the handover of land, new homes or entire neighbourhoods.

The two men were caught on camera leaving the site carrying suitcases. Picture: Victoria Police.

Powercor’s protective security group manager, Michael Hayes, said thefts have caused more than $3m in damage to the network over the past three years.

The thefts has been most prominent around the western part of the state, particularly around Melton, Brookfield, Truganina and Tarneit, but also further west at Bacchus Marsh and the wider Ballarat area.

Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.