Waitematā Police are concerned about an increase in thefts targeting telecommunications infrastructure, power cables, and electrical substations across our communities.
These offences often occur overnight, with offenders sometimes posing as legitimate workers to avoid suspicion.
Detective Sergeant Luke Blignaut, Waitematā Tactical Crime Unit, says the impact goes beyond stolen copper.
"Damage to power and telecommunications networks can leave homes and businesses without essential services and may put vulnerable members of our community at risk if they rely on electricity or internet-connected medical devices.
"One recent report saw internet lines supplying a school in Swanson deliberately cut.
"During a medical emergency involving a student, staff were unable to immediately access the student's medical information through the school's online system. The information had to be manually retrieved from local servers, resulting in a delay of around 20 minutes that could have had serious consequences."
A second report of a damaged fibre cable left more than 3,100 households and businesses across West Auckland without internet services. The outage affected over 10,000 people in the Swanson and Massey areas.
And an 80-year-old Henderson Valley resident who lives rurally and relies on copper telecommunications lost all connectivity for a month after infrastructure was repeatedly targeted. The loss of connectivity left the resident isolated and without a reliable means of contacting emergency assistance during that period.
These reports all serve as a stark reminder of the significant disruption that damage to this infrastructure can cause to communities, businesses, and essential services.
Detective Sergeant Blignaut reminds the public that stealing telecommunications assets and power cables is a serious criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.
"It is also an offence for scrap metal dealers to purchase telecommunications or power infrastructure materials if they know, or are reckless as to whether, the material has been unlawfully obtained.
"Police are working closely with scrap metal dealers and telecommunications providers to help identify stolen materials and prevent offenders from profiting from these crimes."
Information reported by the public can make a significant difference in preventing further damage and holding offenders accountable.
If you see people working on power lines, telecommunications cables, roadside cabinets, or substations and something doesn't seem right, do not intervene.
Note any relevant details from a safe distance and contact Police immediately by calling 111 if it's happening now, or 105 after the fact.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
