If you’ve ever wondered why your local shopping centre or building site seems to be under tighter security these days, you’re not alone.
A new and deeply troubling crime trend is sweeping across Australia, and it’s not just a minor nuisance—it’s costing Aussies millions and putting lives at risk.
Just this past Sunday night, a 50-year-old man found himself in handcuffs after police allege he and an accomplice tried to steal copper from a building under construction in Townsville.
The drama unfolded on the roof of a shopping centre, where police bodycam footage captured officers scaling the building and shining a torch on a man in camouflage, cornered and caught in the act. Nearby, a wheelie bin overflowing with copper cables told the rest of the story.
This isn’t an isolated incident. In fact, it’s just the latest in a string of copper thefts that have plagued communities across the country.
The man now faces a raft of charges, including entering a premises with intent to commit an indictable offence and possessing property suspected of being used in connection with a drug offence.
He’ll have his day in court soon, but the bigger question remains: why is copper theft on the rise, and what does it mean for everyday Australians?
The copper craze: Why thieves are targeting this ‘red gold’
Copper might not look like much to the untrained eye, but to thieves, it’s as good as gold. With prices soaring to as much as $10 per kilogram, copper has become a lucrative target.
It’s used everywhere—in electrical wiring, plumbing, and even the cables that keep our power and internet running. That means homes, construction sites, and public infrastructure are all fair game.
The method is as brazen as it is destructive. Thieves often dress as tradies to blend in, sometimes even working in broad daylight.
But most of the action happens at night or on weekends, when sites are deserted. In some cases, they’ve made off with up to 1,000 metres of cable in a single night—a staggering haul that can cripple local services and cost a fortune to repair.
A dangerous game: The risks and repercussions
It’s not just about the money, though the numbers are eye-watering. In Queensland alone, copper theft cost the state’s electrical network a whopping $4.5 million in damages in 2023.
Nationally, the Australian Institute of Criminology estimates the annual cost of metal theft at well over $100 million.
But the risks go far beyond the financial. Stripping live wires and cables is incredibly dangerous, both for the thieves and for the public.
Power outages, fire hazards, and even electrocution are real possibilities. And when thieves use methods like ‘copper cooking’—pouring petrol on copper to burn off insulation—they leave behind burnt patches of land and toxic fumes, endangering the environment and anyone nearby.
Credit: Queensland Police / YouTube
Communities on alert: How you can help
With copper theft showing no signs of slowing down, authorities are urging everyone to stay vigilant.
If you notice suspicious activity around building sites, substations, or even your own neighbourhood, don’t hesitate to contact the police. Many thieves rely on the assumption that no one is watching, especially at night or on weekends.
It’s also worth checking your own property. If you’re renovating or have exposed wiring, make sure it’s secure and out of sight.
Builders and tradies are being encouraged to lock up tools and materials, and some sites are even installing extra lighting and cameras to deter would-be thieves.
A call for stricter measures
There’s growing pressure on scrap metal dealers to do their part, too. Some states have introduced stricter regulations, requiring proof of identity and detailed records for anyone selling scrap metal. But as long as there’s a market for stolen copper, the temptation remains.
So, what’s the solution? It’s a complex problem, but community awareness is a powerful first step. The more we know about these crimes, the harder it is for thieves to operate in the shadows.
Have you seen or experienced copper theft in your area? Do you think enough is being done to tackle this costly crime wave? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and help protect our communities from this growing threat.
Also read: The worrying discovery exposing a growing problem across Australia
