Two Bundoora residents have been arrested as part of an alleged organised crime syndicate.
Six people have been taken into custody for allegedly being responsible for over 50 large-scale copper thefts, estimated to have cost in excess of $780,000 across the northern suburbs.
Detectives have been investigating at least 50 of the alleged incidents of copper thefts between January and June this year.
A 43-year-old Bundoora man was charged with the theft of $215,000 worth of copper cabling and criminal damage to the value of $30,000 to telecommunication footpath pits. While a 31-year-old Bundoora woman has been charged with theft. Both have been bailed to appear in court at a later date.
Police seized an estimated $95,000 worth of copper during a series of warrants executed across June 29 and 30 in Bundoora, Bundalong, Cottles Bridge, Reservoir and Eltham.
It’s alleged that the offenders used portable power tools to cut through cabling at telecommunications pits to steal large quantities of copper.
The thefts are reported to have caused significant damage to infrastructure as well as causing undue distress to the community through disruptions to internet and power services.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said he is confident these arrests will deter future wannabe thieves.
“Some may think that this is a victimless crime, but the impact of large-scale copper theft is serious,” he said.
“The theft of copper causes significant damage to critical infrastructure, impacting telecommunication networks, public transport signalling and power supply.
“It also causes undue distress and disruption to the community through the loss of internet and power services, or disruptions to transport networks.”
Anyone who has information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
