09/06/2026
👀 Vigilence, 🔐 padlocks & 📷cameras help to deter thieves. Know your neighbours & support each other to reduce help crime.
Police are warning the public following a recent increase in copper thefts across the area, including thefts from homes and renovation sites where offenders are targeting copper plumbing, electrical wiring, and hot water cylinders from vacant or unoccupied houses.
Detective Sergeant Mike Skates says concerningly, rural power infrastructure has also been targeted, with spans of copper cable, along with earthing cables from power poles on Gladstone and Muhunoa East Roads, being stolen.
“These offences are not only causing significant damage and disruption but also present a serious risk to public safety. Interfering with power and telecommunications infrastructure is extremely dangerous and may compromise safety systems designed to absorb electrical faults and surges, potentially placing nearby properties and members of the public at risk.”
This can result in:
• Power outages to homes and rural properties
• Loss of electricity for people relying on medically necessary equipment
• Serious electrocution hazards
• Electrical surges and increased fire risks
• Significant disruption to communications and essential services
“Police have already taken enforcement action in relation to copper thefts, with a man arrested over King’s Birthday weekend after allegedly stealing signal cabling from railway infrastructure, an act which placed the public’s safety at risk. He is currently facing a number of charges relating to this.
“We are asking property owners to take extra precautions, particularly at vacant homes, renovation or construction sites, rural properties, and unoccupied rental properties.
We encourage owners and neighbours to secure vacant buildings where possible, install lighting, alarms, or cameras, regularly check unattended properties, and report suspicious activity promptly.”
Rural residents are also asked to report any suspicious vehicles or people seen near power poles, roadside infrastructure, or vacant properties — particularly during late night or early morning hours.
“Police are also reminding scrap metal dealers, recyclers, tradespeople, and members of the public to be alert for anyone attempting to sell suspicious quantities of copper cabling, earthing straps, plumbing lines, or burnt copper wiring.”
If suspicious activity is happening now, call 111 immediately.
If it is a non-emergency, it can be reported via 105 online or by phone.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police continue to investigate these incidents and are working closely with utility providers and partner agencies to identify those responsible.
