Did you know copper cable theft can affect traffic signals, streetlights or even cause power outages to homes and businesses? This is why Crime Stoppers Victoria and Powercor are combining efforts to put a stop to Copper Cable Theft and continue to make Victoria safer for everyone.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Officer Stella Smith wants this important message to reach the community in the coming months ‘Copper theft effects all of Melbourne so we want to build awareness on how the public can help put a stop to this huge issue. Powercor is the perfect partner to make that happen.’

Copper is used to deliver high voltage electricity and when stolen it compromises everyday lives. It causes power outages which is inconvenient and costly to people and businesses. It can also pose a serious safety issue with exposed cables potentially causing harm or injury to the criminal, utility workers and even members of the public.

But why copper?  The significant rise in the price of copper has resulted in a direct increase in theft.

The cost of copper reached a historic high in March this year and is around $14.00 dollars (market share price) per kilo. Criminals will steal strips of hundreds of metres of copper and can cash in between $5 – 8.00 per kilo at scrap metal yards.

Although it’s prohibited for scrap yards to exchange ‘cash’ money for copper – some still do, which makes it easier for criminals to make quick cash. Unfortunately, a lot of copper thefts occur by repeat offenders who are looking for quick financial gains. 

Powercor Group Manager of Protective Security & Network Facilities Management Michael Hayes has seen repeat offenders going to extreme lengths to obtain copper which can be a danger to the community, ‘Offenders are ripping out underground copper cables from street lighting and other electricity infrastructure, often leaving the community without lighting or power’

Businesses such as Powercor are investing in smart technology and systems to crack down on copper cable theft.  Michael explains, ‘This includes rolling out high end video surveillance measures, GPS tracking and other devices attached to our equipment and new monitoring devices alerting our teams about unusual activity around our equipment’. Even with these advancements copper theft continues to occur so Crime Stoppers is seeking help from the community, ‘we need the community to share what they know and they can do this anonymously through Crime Stoppers’.

Below are some suspicious activities to look out for;

🔌It could look like exposed wires or even a pit lid that seems to have been moved and not replaced.

🔌If it doesn’t look like a professional work site and people are not wearing safety gear or using proper equipment.

🔌People accessing pits during night hours without a fully lit area. Usually riding bicycles (easy access/get away).

🔌People wearing hi-vis clothing and removing pit lids without proper equipment.

🔌People with ‘broken car’ scenarios in the daylight to distract people from seeing them removing pit lids.

Who to call and when?

🔌 If you see copper cable theft now call 000.

🔌 For exposed wiring contact your power distributor immediately. For people in the western suburbs that’s Powercor on 13 24 12.

🔌If you see suspicious activity or know information about past theft, selling or buying copper wire contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au