Liam McNally
Melton council is urging the state government to crack down on copper theft in Melton and across Victoria.
At a recent meeting councillor Julie Shannon said Victoria passed a law in 2018 that prohibits dealers paying cash for scrap metal, supported by regulations on appropriate record keeping, however not all states have similar legislations resulting in illegally sourced metals potentially being sold interstate.
“A consistent nation-wide approach can help reduce the risk of copper theft in Victorian communities,” she said.
Cr Shannon moved for council to write to Crime Prevention Minister Anthony Carbines requesting advice on what actions are being taken to minimise the risk of copper theft in Victoria and that he write to relevant interstate ministers requesting they introduce similar laws to those in Victoria that regulate the sale of copper and other scrap metal.
Melton Crime Investigation Unit detective senior sergeant Barry Jenks said the issue of copper theft was discussed at the Neighbourhood Policing Community Forum last month.
“Copper theft is an issue across the urban fringes of Melbourne and not isolated to Melton. In saying that, yes we are seeing reports of copper theft reported to police throughout the Melton LGA,” he said.
“Of significance in recent time is theft from MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale and Leakes Road, Rockbank. Detectives are working closely with Vic Roads, Powercor, Melton council and other stakeholders to target, harden and develop preventive measure.
“Melton CIU has conducted several successful police operations concentrating on the detection of offenders and disruption of this offending. These operations have resulted in arrests and offenders prosecuted.”
A Harkness man was one of 11 arrested between June and November in relation to an ongoing investigation into large-scale copper thefts costing more than $780,000.
Detective senior sergeant Jenks said it is imperative that if anyone sees suspicious vehicles or people loitering in and around community locations that they call triple zero (000).
Anyone with information about the theft of copper or persons involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Mr Carbines’ office was contacted for comment.
