A 44-year-old man has been charged with stealing copper wire twice within hours today.
Police were notified of two men allegedly attempting to steal copper wire from a high voltage generator on the Old Hume Highway at Beveridge about 4.30am.
On arrival, the area appeared to be deserted.
The Dog Squad were called in and quickly sniffed out two men hiding in long grass nearby.
A police dog chased down the man, rounding him up for his handler to arrest.
He was taken to hospital to be treated for a minor dog bite and released a short time later.
The Sunshine West man with charged with theft, criminal damage, going equipped to steal and commit indictable offence while on bail.
The same man had only been charged with theft and bailed several hours earlier for allegedly stealing copper wire 18 months ago in Heathcote Junction
The man will appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court later today.
Investigators are still searching for the second outstanding offender.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
