Six people face 81 charges as police dismantle major copper wire syndicate

Police have swooped on an alleged copper theft ring with six people facing 81 charges spanning from sites across Mackay, Central Qld and the Wide Bay.

Police have charged six people with 81 offences relating to the alleged theft of copper wire across the Central Region this week.

Operation Xray Genisis involved cases at Sarina, Blackwater, Emerald, Clermont, Biloela, Monto, Miriam Vale, and Hervey Bay over the last six months.

The approximate cost of these alleged crimes, inclusive of replacement and repairs was estimated to be between $500,000 and $600,000.

In a statement on Wednesday, QPS said through a multi-agency response with officers from Gladstone’s Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), and Rockhampton’s Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU), Tactical Crime Squad (TCS) and Property Crime units, approximately 150 kilograms of copper wire had been recovered.

Much of it came from earthing straps as well as work sites and residential areas.

“It's obviously become big business for people, and we know that those people are offloading that copper somewhere and we’re now going to focus on where those people are offloading that copper,” Capricornia District Detective Inspector Luke Peachey said.

He warned further arrests around copper theft could expected and that it had become a major issue throughout Queensland.

He also didn’t rule out whether the six people already arrested were part of a larger group.

Capricornia District Detective Inspector Luke Peachey said the six people arrested seem to travel around the area and scope for targets.

“This operation is a reminder that anyone caught property offending will be located and dealt with,” he said.

“We are committed to driving down copper theft throughout our District, and we would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with ongoing investigations.

“We ask members of the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, including people removing items from construction sites, sporting grounds, and other commercial venues.”

Det. Insp. Peachey said it was lucky none of the six allegedly involved were electrocuted and killed.

Among those arrested was a 46-year-old Gracemere man, charged with 31 offences, including fraud, wilful damage, and stealing, a 33-year-old Gracemere man charged with 27 offences, including wilful damage, and stealing and a 31-year-old Gracemere woman charged with 12 offences, including wilful damage, stealing, and fraud.

All three appeared before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, December 10 and have been remanded in custody.

Originally published as Six people face 81 charges as police dismantle major copper wire syndicate