installed at new builds<\/a>. <\/p>\nIn fact, electricity provider AusNet \u2013 which looks after Melbourne\u2019s northern and eastern suburbs \u2013 has seen close to 300 incidents of copper theft since January, with Clyde North being the number one target.<\/p>\n
Berwick and Pakenham were also on thieves\u2019 hit lists with 23 and 22 incidents respectively. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe recent copper theft incident in Clyde saw around three to four kilometres of cable stolen,\u201d an AusNet spokeswoman told news.com.au. <\/p>\n
More broadly, AusNet noted a significant increase in vandalism of its infrastructure, which has contributed to the company\u2019s decision to replace its copper wiring with aluminium cable where possible. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s also progressing with other anti-tampering and detection solutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, copper theft often leads to longer power restoration times and can increase costs for customers,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are increasingly concerned about the safety of our workers with these situations and members of the public who may unknowingly come into contact with damaged or tampered equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d like to remind people not to interfere with network assets and to be cautious around any that may have been interfered with. <\/p>\n
\u201cTampering with electrical infrastructure is extremely dangerous and can expose live components and leave equipment unstable, putting both vandals and anyone nearby at risk of serious injury.\u201d<\/p>\n
CitiPower and Powercor have also noticed an increase in copper theft, with Group Manager Protective Security Paul York telling news.com.au his team has seen it daily across its networks.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffenders are ripping out underground copper cables from street lighting and other electricity infrastructure, leaving people without lighting or power,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing copper stripped from new housing estates, which has enormous safety risks and delays the completion of new homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had examples of offenders leaving live electricity wires exposed in public areas, potentially putting people at risk of injury.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team is working closely with Victoria Police to crack down on copper thieves targeting the network and has ramped up security across its sites.<\/p>\n
\u201c(We) are using CCTV cameras, GPS tracking and other technology to help catch offenders and \u201cprotect critical infrastructure,\u201d Mr York said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t solve this problem on our own. If people see suspicious activity around power poles, substations or electricity equipment, call triple-0 immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
Copper cables can carry up to 1500 volts and can cause serious injury or death if interfered with, but that hasn\u2019t stopped thieves from tampering with the metal. <\/p>\n
Street light infrastructure appears to be the latest target, with thieves graduating from water meters, gas meters, and breaking into new builds that have just been fitted off with new cable.<\/p>\n
In June news.com.au revealed Victoria\u2019s residential building industry was facing millions of dollars in repair costs and lengthy delays as opportunistic crooks took advantage of empty homes to loot copper.<\/p>\n
Other easy targets included schools, factories, hospitals and even brothels, according to data obtained from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria.<\/p>\n
While legitimate scrap metal dealers must be registered and comply with strict rules, there are some dodgy traders using platforms such as Facebook Marketplace to purchase the stolen goods without even questioning it.<\/p>\n
And the crime isn\u2019t exclusive to Victoria.<\/p>\n
Last month, traffic lights at a Globe Derby Park intersection in South Australia completely blacked out when they were tampered with. <\/p>\n
Just after 5am on August 15, copper cables and a junction box were stolen from the Ryans Rd and Port Wakefield Rd intersection, wiping out power to the entire crossing.<\/p>\n
A similar situation occurred in Ipswich, Queensland in February where energy providers were forced to switch from copper wiring to aluminium, following a rise in thefts of the bronze-coloured metal. <\/p>\n
While Victoria Police do not have a dedicated copper theft task force, a spokeswoman said local detectives are investigating these incidents.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile copper is not one of the most common items generally stolen in Victoria, the impact can be quite significant when it does occur \u2013 from train delays and impacts to roadways and construction sites,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also extremely dangerous to have live wires exposed out in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Consequently dedicated transit police are on patrol to monitor local train lines, tram routes and transport hubs 24\/7.<\/p>\n
\u201cRoadways, new estates, construction sites and manufacturing locations are also often areas targeted by copper thieves, and investigated by local detectives,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese areas are regularly patrolled by local police through a range of targeted operations across the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal crime investigation units will investigate any reported thefts of copper.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Department of Transport and Planning is also trialling ways to deter copper theft and is working with Victoria Police, power authorities and councils to protect such assets.<\/p>\n
\u201cCopper wire theft is dangerous \u2013 it puts lives at risk and disables critical road infrastructure that supports safe travel across our transport network,\u201d a Department of Transport and Planning spokeswoman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone who witnesses any theft or vandalism on Victoria\u2019s transport network is urged to contact Victoria Police immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for any who sees vandalised property or exposed wiring, they\u2019re encouraged to urgently report it to the respective electricity provider.<\/p>\n
If that\u2019s Ausnet, its faults and emergencies team can be contacted on 13 17 99, while Powercor is available on 13 24 12 and Citipower on 13 13 80. <\/p>\n
Read related topics:Melbourne<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Brazen copper thieves are literally leaving neighbourhoods in the dark, upgrading their hustle from ground-level water meters 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