Two Charged Over Copper Theft

Queensland police have charged two Redbank Plains men following an investigation into the alleged theft of about 239 kilograms of copper wire from a commercial property, with damage causing power disruptions to several businesses.

Police allege the offences occurred over nine days, beginning with damage to a security camera at the Redbank Plains Road site on November 1. On November 5, offenders allegedly cut through perimeter fencing and forced entry through a door using a crowbar.

An inspection on November 9 found extensive damage to electrical infrastructure, including cut and removed main earthing cable and other cabling believed to contain copper. Detectives from the Ipswich Property Crime Group later identified the alleged loss.

A 42-year-old Redbank Plains man faces charges including possession of tainted property, fraud, entering premises and committing an indictable offence, and drug-related offences. A 46-year-old Redbank Plains man faces charges including possession of tainted property, fraud, and entering premises and committing an indictable offence. Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear separately in Ipswich Magistrates Court.

Police said investigations are continuing and urged businesses and homeowners to secure electrical infrastructure, inspect fencing and cabling, and report suspicious activity. Information can be provided to Policelink or anonymously through Crime Stoppers, quoting reference QP2602218222.