South Australian Police are issuing a warning to would be thieves of the dangers associated with copper thefts.
The theft of copper, aluminium and brass is an enduring problem for public utilities and services, private companies, and the building industry.
Typically, thieves target items such as copper piping, taps and electrical cables – items which are easier to dispose of and carry off building sites.
Traditionally these types of offences are seen around new building developments, construction sites, vacated industrial properties and other sites.
Tampering with overhead and underground electrical systems can result in electrocution, burns and shocks from direct contact or ‘flashover’ from proximity, and other injuries from falls or explosions.
Underground lines present additional risks of causing gas leaks and explosions during excavation, while overhead lines pose dangers from working near them with heavy equipment, which can energize the ground.
Thieves are putting their lives at risk by interfering with live electrical assets.
Police ask the public to:
- Be suspicious of people loitering around vacant premises, construction sites, communications pits and infrastructure, business premises and underground office car parks especially during hours of darkness.
- If you own a vacant property, visit regularly and ask neighbours to report suspicious behaviour to police.
- Be suspicious of people loading metal into private (non-work) vehicles.
- Be alert to vehicles with their registration numbers obscured or missing.
- Make a note of vehicle registration numbers and company names if the occupants are behaving suspiciously – even if this is at a work site.
- Report suspicious behaviour and thefts immediately to police on 131 444.
The community are urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000 with any information relating to copper theft.
