Police have arrested six people allegedly involved in an organised crime syndicate responsible for over 50 large-scale copper thefts, estimated to have cost in excess of $780,000 across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Detectives have been investigating at least 50 of the alleged incidents of copper thefts in the northern suburbs between January and June.
Police seized an estimated $95,000 worth of copper as part of a series of warrants executed late last week.
It isalleged 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.
Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad along with members from the Mill Park Divisional Response Unit conducted a series of search warrants on Thursday and Friday in Bundalong, Bundoora, Cottles Bridge, Reservoir and Eltham.
The six people arrested include:
• a 43-year-old Bundoora man charged with the theft of $215,000 worth of copper cabling and criminal damage to the value of $30,000 to telecommunication footpath pits. He has been bailed to appear at the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on September 21.
• a 31-year-old Bundoora woman charged with theft. She has been bailed to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on November 22.
• a 39-year-old Eltham man charged with possession of methyl amphetamine and is expected to be charged on summons in relation to theft of copper. He has been bailed to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on November 22.
• a 58-year-old Cottles Bridge man charged with handle stolen goods. He has been bailed to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on November 23.
• a 34-year-old Glenroy man and a 31-year-old Reservoir man were also arrested and released pending further enquiries.