Stolen copper. Stalled trains. Disrupted lives.
Copper Theft: It’s more than metal is our campaign with Victoria Police. Together, we’re calling on Victorians to help stop copper theft and protect the services we all rely on. Thieves strip copper cables from rail lines, pits and other infrastructure across the city.
Across the state, these thefts are on the rise, and a single incident can affect thousands of people. For example, when thieves take copper from the train network, commuters, students and workers face delays and cancellations on their way to school or work. These crimes also hit businesses, essential services and critical infrastructure.
That’s where you come in. By learning the signs and reporting suspicious activity, you can help reduce copper theft and support police investigations.
Signs of copper theft to look out for
Thieves often try to look like legitimate workers, so keep an eye out for:
- exposed wires, or a pit lid that someone has moved and not put back
- work sites that don’t look professional, where workers aren’t wearing safety gear or using proper equipment
- night-time activity around pits in poorly lit areas, often by people on bicycles for quick access and a fast getaway
- anyone in hi-vis clothing lifting pit lids without proper equipment
- a staged “broken-down car” in daylight, used to distract passers-by while others remove pit lids
Buying or selling scrap metal?
If you buy or sell scrap metal, check what’s required on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
How copper theft affects Victorians ⚡️
Beyond the disruption, copper theft is a serious public safety risk. Because copper cables carry high and extra-high voltages, exposed wires can cause serious injury or death. As a result, thieves put their own lives at risk, along with members of the public and the utility workers who repair the damage.
Copper theft in Victoria has increased by 175 per cent between 2018 and 2026.
Copper can fetch up to $14 per kg, but scrap metal dealers must be registered and can’t pay cash.
Copper thieves are looking to profit from the current market value of copper, which is up to $20 per kg.
Copper theft repairs cost the Australian economy $100 million a year.
2,747 copper and scrap metal items were stolen across Victoria in the year ending June 2026.
Sharing Information With Crime Stoppers Is Easy
Remember: If you know something that doesn’t sit right with you, we’re here to help. Learn more about our reporting process below, or by reading our FAQs.
Report copper theft to Crime Stoppers
Sharing information is easy, and you can stay anonymous.
Remember: If you know something that doesn’t sit right with you, we’re here to help. Learn more about our reporting process below, or by reading our FAQs.
In an emergency, or if you need immediate police or medical help, call 000.
Sharing Information With Crime Stoppers Is Easy
Remember: If you know something that doesn’t sit right with you, we’re here to help. Learn more about our reporting process below, or by reading our FAQs.
- If it is an emergency, or you need immediate police or medical assistance, please call 000!
Copper theft FAQs
Copper delivers electricity to Victorian communities and powers many important services, from public transport and hospitals to traffic lights, phone networks and the internet.
Because it’s so widely used, thieves target copper in many places, including power poles, telecommunication pits, kiosk substations, building sites and train networks.
Look out for:
- a work site that doesn’t look professional
- workers without safety gear or proper equipment
- people accessing power or telecommunication pits at night
Copper thieves also use other common tactics. For example, they may:
- keep stolen copper and tools in storage containers, sometimes left on vacant blocks for short periods
- fake a car breakdown in daylight to distract people while others remove pit lids
- sell second-hand copper on buy-and-sell websites such as Gumtree and Facebook without being a registered second-hand dealer, often asking for cash
Download the copper theft poster (PDF).
You can report anonymously by:
- calling Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000
- submitting a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
In an emergency, or if a crime is happening in front of you, call Triple Zero (000). However, don’t put yourself in danger by trying to stop or detain anyone yourself.
Crime Stoppers takes every report seriously. After you make a report, Crime Stoppers prepares it for Victoria Police investigators to follow up.
Your identity stays protected. If you choose to identify yourself or offer further help, Crime Stoppers doesn’t pass those details on with your report. Instead, police must request them separately.
In addition, Crime Stoppers doesn’t store any other identifying details, such as caller ID or IP addresses.
Click to download the copper theft flyer (PDF).
