Police have charged two men after allegedly being caught stealing copper wiring from an electrical light box on the Logan Motorway at Ellen Grove overnight, 7 October.
Around 10.30pm it is alleged two men were observed on camera using tools to cut a number of wire cables from the electrical box on the westbound lanes of the highway adjacent to the Centenary Motorway.
When police arrived on scene, they allegedly located one man lying on his stomach with his hands inside the box.
He was arrested and taken into custody.
A second man fled the scene on foot and was located a short distance away after being tracked by Police Dog (PD) Crunch where he was taken into custody.
Police also allegedly located multiple tools, a pair of gloves and a tool bag at the scene.
The damaged cables caused a temporary power outage in the surrounding area.
A 45-year-old Inala man has been charged with one count each of wilful damage, stealing, unlawful interference with supply of electricity, possess by night instrument of house breaking, possessing dangerous drugs and possess utensils.
He has been bailed to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 6 November.
A 43-year-old Redbank Plains man was charged with one count each of wilful damage, stealing, unlawful interference with supply of electricity and possess by night instrument of house breaking.
He has been bailed to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 13 November.
Copper theft poses significant risks to the safety and security of the broader community, and operational integrity of vital infrastructure, such as telecommunications, power, and transportation systems.
We ask members of the community to remain vigilant and aware of any suspicious activity including people removing items from locations such as construction sites, sporting fields, rail corridors, road construction areas, energy and water supplies, and community venues.
Other things to look out for include discarded cable insulation and open access to utilities.
There are a number of ways to report information, including via Policelink online or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can also be made.
Police work closely with other agencies to identify and target copper theft hotspots, share information, and develop coordinated strategies to mitigate copper theft and its associated consequences.
Our key partners include:
• Transportation Industry
• Queensland Energy Providers
• Telecommunications Providers
• Local Government Representative
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
