A ute driver has been charged after stolen copper was allegedly found in the back of the vehicle, with authorities snapping a photo that highlights the insidious trend continuing to surge across the country.
Rangers began following the man after they were alerted to “suspicious activity” in a Queensland conservation park recently.
It quickly became clear that heritage buildings at the site had been damaged and were stripped of their copper guttering. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Joe Jess said the alleged theft harmed the state’s history and will also cost taxpayers as expensive repairs will now need to be undertaken.
“We are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in our protected areas to QPWS or the Queensland Police Service,” he said.
“Reports can play a critical role in protecting our parks and facilities and ensuring offenders are held accountable.”
A 30-year-old man will appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court next week in relation to the alleged incident. He’ll face multiple charges, including wilful damage.
Rangers discovered copper had been stripped from the roofs of heritage buildings. Source: DETSI
The damage to buildings occurred at Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park, 10km northeast of Townsville. The area is known for its heritage-listed World War II fortifications, which include large concrete structures to help protect the coast from Japanese ships. There is also a quarantine station at the site, which was established in 1915.
The park is intercut with numerous mountain bike trails, which have views of nearby beaches. There is also a smattering of wildlife, including birds, wallabies and reptiles.
Copper theft has increased around the country in recent years, with construction sites and even homes being prime targets for thieves when materials are left unsupervised.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, the annual cost of metal theft is valued at well over $100 million, and in Queensland the crime has tripled since 2020.
In June, a major Queensland highway was plunged into darkness after road lighting infrastructure was impacted by copper theft.
And it’s a rather similar story in other parts of the nation.
Last month, CCTV footage captured an offender with a cardboard box over his head stealing electrical copper wire and equipment worth around $40,000 from a construction site near Ballarat, Victoria.
More recently, a Melbourne tradie told Yahoo News he has had copper wiring stolen from five jobs this year.
Love Australia’s weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week’s best stories.
