Two men have been charged following an investigation into the alleged theft of copper from two agricultural facilities in the state's south.
In March 2026, officers from Murrumbidgee Police District commenced an investigation into large amounts of electrical cable being stolen from two grain storage facilities in Coleambally, leaving these facilities severely damaged.
Initial inquiries indicated that these incidents were linked to the theft of copper from a business in Griffith earlier in March 2026.
Following investigations, on Wednesday 25 March 2026, investigators arrested a 49-year-old man from Griffith.
He was taken to Griffith Police Station where he was charged with larceny value more than $15,000 (two counts), and larceny value more than $2,000 & less than or equal to $5000.
The man was refused bail and appeared before court on Thursday 26 March 2026. He is next due to appear before Griffith Local Court on Wednesday 22 April 2026.
Following further inquiries, on Tuesday (7 April 2026), investigators arrested a 27-year-old male from Griffith.
He was also taken to Griffith Police Station where he was charged with larceny value more than $15,000 and destroy of damage property more than $15,000.
The 27-year-old was refused bail to appear before court on the same day. He is next due to appear before Griffith Local Court on Wednesday 15 April 2026.
Following the investigation, Murrumbidgee Police commenced Operation Salvage to check the compliance of scrap metal dealers across the region.
The operation ran between Thursday (9 April 2026), and today (Friday 10 April 2026).
During the operation, two businesses were issued with infringement notices, with one of those also being issued an interim closure order.
Investigations under Operation Salvage will continue.
