Four charged over copper theft in South West

Four men have been charged following an investigation into the theft of copper wire and cable in the South West.

Police allege three Collie men, aged 31, 38 and 43, stole an amount of copper from a critical infrastructure worksite north-east of Collie in February 2024. 

"In a separate incident, a 28-year-old Collie man has been charged in relation to the stealing of an amount of copper wire/cable from a critical infrastructure site in Collie in June 2024," a WA Police spokesperson said.

The ongoing operation is focused on investigating more than a dozen other similar incidents in the South West region in recent months. 

"Detectives are liaising with scrap metal dealers in relation to the ongoing issue, and are seeking information from the community in regards to persons who are unlawfully in possession of, or who are purchasing copper illegally," the WA Police spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Bunbury Detectives said the stealing of the copper wire and cable has the potential to have a critical impact on utility services, which would have a significant impact on the community.   

“In most cases, the stealing of the copper wire and cable has been from public works sites or properties linked to public utility companies. The costs associated with replacing the copper wire and cable will ultimately be at the expense of the community.” 

Bunbury Detectives encourage anyone in the community who knows anything about these types of crimes, or the persons involved, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

Information can be provided anonymously.