If you’ve taken a drive through regional Australia lately, you might have noticed something a little off on the side of the road—not just the usual litter, but a mess that’s both unsightly and, frankly, a bit alarming.
We’re talking about the growing problem of copper theft, a crime that’s leaving behind more than just empty spaces and frustrated tradies.
It’s creating a toxic legacy that’s polluting our environment and putting communities at risk.
A recent discovery near Townsville has thrown this issue into sharp relief.
Dave Dudley, a local legend who runs the Tidy Up Townsville group, stumbled across a ‘congealed mess’ of burnt plastic, tyres, bricks, and even discarded kitchen items while out dirt biking along Port Access Road.
But it wasn’t just the usual illegal dumping—Dave recognised the telltale signs of ‘copper cooking’.
For those unfamiliar, copper cooking is the process of burning the plastic insulation off copper wiring, usually with a splash of petrol and a match, to make the metal easier to sell to scrap dealers.
It’s a shortcut that’s as dangerous as it is damaging. Not only does it leave behind a toxic, oily residue, but it also releases harmful fumes and can spark bushfires—a risk we certainly don’t need in our already fire-prone country.
And it’s not just a Townsville problem. Copper theft is on the rise across Australia, with the Australian Institute of Criminology estimating the annual cost of metal theft at over $100 million.
In Queensland alone, incidents have tripled since 2020. Thieves are targeting everything from vacant homes and construction sites to public infrastructure like pipes and light poles.
The aftermath? Expensive repairs, power outages, and a whole lot of headaches for homeowners, tradies, and local councils.
Dave’s not just shaking his head and moving on. He’s started logging every site where copper cooking has been reported in Townsville, and the numbers are staggering—52 locations since the start of the year.
He’s also set up a Facebook page to keep the community informed and encourage others to report what they see. ‘It’s a massive issue in Townsville,’ Dave says. ‘What’s left is just an oily, congealed mess that’s getting washed into the waterways and causing pollution.’
The environmental impact is serious. The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) has condemned the practice, warning that dumping waste on public land can attract fines of over $12,000.
More importantly, it can harm native wildlife, contaminate soil and water, and ruin the experience for everyone who enjoys our parks and bushland.
But the consequences don’t stop there. Copper theft is also a safety hazard. When criminals strip copper from live wires or public infrastructure, they put themselves and others at risk of electrocution, fires, and even explosions.
Tradies are often left to deal with the aftermath, facing delays, extra costs, and dangerous work conditions.
One Gold Coast tradie summed up the frustration after thieves stole water meters from his site: ‘Hope your $20 in scrap copper was worth it because this is going to be a nightmare to fix, so, cheers for that.’
So, what can be done? Authorities are cracking down, with police making arrests and councils stepping up surveillance. But community action is just as important.
If you spot suspicious activity or signs of copper cooking—burnt patches, melted plastic, or piles of stripped wire—report it to your local council or police.
And if you’re a tradie or property owner, consider extra security measures like CCTV, better lighting, and secure storage for valuable materials.
Copper theft might seem like a victimless crime, but the reality is far from it. It’s costing all of us—in money, safety, and the health of our environment.
It’s time we all took a stand against this ‘disgusting’ trend and worked together to keep our communities clean, safe, and copper theft-free.
Have you seen evidence of copper theft or illegal dumping in your area? How has it affected your community? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and help put a stop to this growing problem.
Also read: Copper thieves targeting vacant properties using online listings, real estate agents say
Probably drug addicts committing most of these thefts.
Scrap metal dealers should be required to demand provenance. Where did it come from? eg photographs – everyone has a camera phone these days.