CSIRO the latest target of copper thieves in the ACT

ACT Policing is investigating alleged copper thefts from the CSIRO facility adjacent to the Barton Highway in recent weeks.

“In two recent incidents at the CSIRO facility (located between Nicholls and Evatt/McKellar), that are believed to have occurred within the last month, the offenders cut live power lines down to obtain copper from them,” according to police.

“In both cases, live electrical wires were left exposed on the ground.”

Inspector Nigel Booth from Gungahlin Police Station called on anyone with information about the alleged thefts to come forward.

“We are continuing to investigate the incidents at the CSIRO facility and urge anyone with information in relation to the identity of these offenders to come forward,” he said.

“Concerningly, people have left live wires exposed. These actions are very dangerous as there is enough power in the lines to be fatal if touched.

“Our message to anyone thinking of stealing copper is simple – don’t. We have a number of methods allowing us to disrupt this offending, and to identify and track down those involved.”

The alleged thefts in August follow multiple reports of copper-related incidents this year, which police say resulted in extensive damage to Commonwealth heritage-listed buildings in Lawson.

In incidents between January 2024 to April 2024, a man allegedly caused significant damage to a Lawson property in the process of obtaining the copper. A 53-year-old Curtin man was charged with multiple offences – including five counts of trespassing on prohibited Commonwealth land, four counts of damaging heritage in reserve, four counts of theft, and burglary – and faced the ACT Magistrates Court in May 2024.

In a separate incident in May, police responded to reports of several people unlawfully entering another building in the same facility in Lawson.

Police attended and located two men in the building, with a third man located a short time later hiding within the building.

A fourth man is alleged to have fled the scene in a white Holden ute, despite police directing him to stop. He was later arrested at his residence in Spence.

Four people have been charged with various offences including aggravated burglary, trespass on prohibited Commonwealth land, theft, damaging Commonwealth property, and failing to stop for police in relation to this incident.

Inspector Booth said that there were consequences for that kind of alleged behaviour.

“This is an example of the consequences you can expect to face if you engage in this type of behaviour and damage Commonwealth property,” he said.

“The theft of copper in these instances caused significant damage to heritage listed property, and irreversible damage to the value and history of the buildings.”

Anyone with information about the incidents at the CSIRO facility adjacent to the Barton Highway is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000, or by visiting the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 7802133. Information can be provided anonymously.