About 10.30pm, officers while on patrol located a large quantity of copper wire, piled on a footpath on Roe Highway, near the intersection of Sultana Road.
Following inquiries, police identified that the man had allegedly attended the location on two occasions - about 11am on Saturday, 7 March, and about 10.30pm on Sunday, 8 March - and opened service boxes next to light poles.
It will be alleged the man stole approximately 300 metres of underground insulated electrical copper cabling, with an estimated value of approximately $7000. The total estimated cost to repair the lighting is approximately $50,000.
The 36-year-old man from Stratton was arrested and charged with:
• 1 x Stealing
• 1 x Criminal Damage or Destruction of Property
He is due to appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on 8 April 2026.
Acting Senior Sergeant Tony Signal, of Forrestfield Police Station, said the arrest highlights the significant risks offenders face when targeting critical infrastructure.
"The WA Police Force treats metal theft investigations as a priority. Every report of copper theft is thoroughly examined, with a clear focus on identifying offenders and bringing them before the courts.
"An increasingly advanced range of technology and investigative capabilities - combined with vital information provided by the community - enables us to identify those responsible for incidents like this. Anyone considering the theft of metal should be aware that the likelihood of being caught is significant.
"We urge anyone who sees suspicious behaviour in their community, including around service boxes, electrical infrastructure or copper cabling, to contact police on 131 444."
