What is copper theft?
Copper is used to deliver electricity around the country. Copper theft involves stealing these copper cables from around the city.
From causing power outages that interrupt our day, to exposing wires that risk the lives and safety of everyday Victorians, copper theft compromises our everyday lives.
What Does copper theft look like?
It could look like:
- Exposed wires or a man hole that seems to have been moved and not replaced.
- People removing pit lids (used to cover underground services) without proper equipment.
- People accessing underground services during the night hours without a fully lit area.
- Suspicious or broken down cars parked next to pits.
- Someone selling second-hand copper on buy-and-sell websites like Gumtree and Facebook – and without being a registered second-hand dealer. May ask for cash money.
Who does it affect and how?
Copper theft is a public safety concern.
It can impact housing, public lighting and traffic lights, causing a hazard to the community.
It can also injure or kill those stealing it and can harm both members of the public and utility workers. As copper is used to transport high and extra-high voltages, exposed wires can cause serious injury to death.
Who do I report copper theft to?
Contact police on Triple Zero (000) and report the incident.
Share what you know with Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or via our online reporting form here.
Exposed wiring is a public safety risk.
Please contact your distributor immediately.
For people in the western suburbs this is Powercor
on 13 24 12.
Read more about copper cable theft in our latest blog post...
Crime Stoppers Victoria is teaming up with Powercor to put a stop to Copper Cable Theft
Did you know copper cable theft can affect traffic signals, streetlights or even cause power outages to homes and businesses?