Vandalism, copper thefts darken major Queensland roads

Sections of highways across Queensland have been plunged into darkness by thieves allegedly stripping street lights quicker than wiring can be replaced.

The alleged thefts have occurred on the M1 Pacific Motorway and several other major roads. Picture: File photo/Nigel Hallett

Sections of highways across Queensland have been plunged into darkness by copper thieves allegedly stripping street lights quicker than wiring can be replaced.

Queensland Police and the state’s transport authority have warned the ongoing acts of vandalism and theft pose significant risk to the safety of motorists, as well as the operational integrity of vital infrastructure.

Areas impacted across Brisbane include the M1, Ipswich Motorway, Centenary Highway, Warrego Highway, Southern Cross Way, Gympie Arterial Road as well as cycle paths adjacent to the Pacific Motorway.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman confirmed there had been 86 instances of theft and cable vandalism across Brisbane and the south coast so far this financial year - the equivalent of seven cases each month.

Queensland Police confirmed two men - a 46-year-old from Loganholme and a 56-year-old from Beenleigh - had been charged last week over a series of copper wire thefts that allegedly happened in June.

The 46-year-old Loganholme man is accused of stealing 50 metres of 16mm copper wire from streetlights along the Pacific Motorway between Burchill Street and the Logan Motorway on-ramp around midnight on June 14 and about 5pm on June 15.

He is scheduled to appear at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on July 30.

The 56-year-old Beenleigh man allegedly caused $15,000 worth of damage after forcing his way into the electrical pit of a roundabout at the intersection of City Road, Blackbird Street, Bridge Drive and Saverin Road at Beenleigh at around 12.30pm on June 1.

“Officers attended and located a man, allegedly in possession of bolt cutters, pliers and approximately 14 kilograms of insulated copper wiring,” a QPS spokesman said.

“Officers also allegedly located a metal pry-bar nearby and subsequent investigations identified 12 electrical pits had been accessed in the vicinity, and cable stolen.”

He is scheduled to appear at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday.

“Copper theft poses significant risks to the safety and security of the broader community, and operational integrity of vital infrastructure, such as telecommunications, power, and transportation systems,” a QPS spokesman said.

Rob Campbell has raised concerns. Picture: Supplied

Logan resident Rob Campbell told The Courier-Mail he frequently travels the Logan Motorway at night and has noticed several “black spots”.

Mr Campbell said he spoke to the Department of Transport and was advised continued thefts have caused the power outages to several sites.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the department had developed vandalism and theft prevention measures.

“While our priority is to restore power to street lighting as quickly as possible, incorporating these prevention measures can take additional time,” he said.

“We understand the safety and customer impacts caused by these incidents and are committed

to reinstating street lighting as quickly as we can.”

Queenslanders can report suspicious behaviour to Policelink online or by calling 131 444.

Originally published as Vandalism, copper thefts darken major Queensland roads