Almost $875,000 of copper stolen from Townsville business since January as Police make arrests
Since the beginning of the year, nearly $875,000 of copper has been stolen from local businesses, with a police taskforce set up to tackle the scourge.
Townsville
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In less than two months, more than one tonne of copper, totalling almost $875,000, has been stolen from Townsville businesses.
In October 2024, Townsville Property Crime Unit taskforce was launched to prevent, disrupt and investigate copper theft from businesses.
Townsville Superintendent Chris Lawson said copper thefts put an incredible amount of stress on owners due to the property damage and subsequent costs of damage and repairs.
“Our estimates put the cost to local businesses about $874,000 since January this year,” he said.
“This includes the value of the material stolen and the cost to repair damage caused when the copper is removed.”
Since its formation, Superintendent Lawson said the taskforce had arrested three men in relation to multiple offences across Townsville and Ingham.
Police will allege the men stole copper cabling, wires and pipes from construction sites, abandoned buildings, illegal dump sites alongside businesses and sold the scrap metal to second-hand recycling outlets.
“Stealing copper can also be very dangerous – dealing with live wires and cables can result in serious injury or death,” Superintendent Lawson said.
A 21-year-old Ingham man was among those arrested with police alleging he stole around 200kg of copper in three months and sold it for cash.
It is further alleged he traded stolen copper and metal on behalf of others in exchange for cash.
He has been charged with fraud, possessing tainted property, entering premises with intent and stealing.
He is due to appear in Townsville magistrates court on March 5.
It is also alleged a 33-year-old Kelso man stole cabling from several Townsville businesses and traded it for cash.
He has been charged with 12 offences including fraud and possessing tainted property and is set to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on February 27.
A 30-year-old Rasmussen man was arrested after he allegedly stole copper pipe from a Bamford Lane bowling alley on February 12.
He is facing wilful damage and stealing charges, and is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on February 27.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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Originally published as Almost $875,000 of copper stolen from Townsville business since January as Police make arrests
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