By Tate Papworth
Copper wire thefts have cost the Brimbank community more than $1 million in the past 18 months.
Council’s infrastructure and city services director Neil Whiteside said about 25 separate thefts had resulted in insurance claims “in the order of $1 million”.
He said a spate off copper thefts from sporting and recreation reserves in Brimbank and across the west had hurt the community.
“Not only do these thefts have a financial impact on council, but they also have a heavy impact on the sports clubs that use these community facilities.”
His comments come as four men were last week charged following a police investigation into the thefts.
A 27-year-old Taylors Lakes man, a 33-year-old Taylors Lakes man, a 35-year-old Keilor Downs man and a 28-year-old Hillside man were remanded to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 16.
All four have been charged with one count of theft after being found in possession of copper. Three of the four also face a second charge of theft for a separate incident.
Police said they are reviewing all recent copper thefts looking at the similarities in offending.
They said the thefts not only had a significant impact on sports clubs and schools, but also posed a safety risk because of the threat from live wiring left behind.
The Grand United Cricket club was without power to its clubrooms in February after thieves stole cabling from Selwyn Park, Albion.
The club had no hot water or power in the weeks after the theft and was forced to use a generator to run lights and fridges for its major fundraiser.
Last month, thieves stole copper cabling valued at more than $200,000 from sports facilities across Wyndham in 10 separate incidents.
Police said investigations remain ongoing. Anyone who may be able to provide information about the thefts or sale of stolen copper is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
