By AIDAN KNIGHT

 

SEVEN people were charged in relation to an extensive copper theft operation in Newborough, out of the derelict Moe Hospital on Narracan Drive, on February 21.

Victoria Police have only recently made information regarding the incident public.

Police allege the offenders continuously forced entry into the abandoned facility several times, the same building that saw the Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit execute a seizure of nearly 1310 cannabis plants in August last year.

Instead of storing illicit goods, however, this time those apprehended (not known to be connected to the previously mentioned 2024 crime) were removing them from the premises, which, being built in 1970, is a goldmine of the precious metal.

Around $10,000 worth of copper, likely stripped from electrical wiring and plumbing, was stolen from the hospital, equivalent to over 800 kilograms of copper.

Moe Police arrested two Cranbourne men, aged 43 and 38, and a 55-year-old Chadstone woman for charges of burglary and theft. Also arrested on the same charges were two men from Morwell (43 and 55) one Port Welshpool man (40), and one Traralgon man (54). These are six of the seven offenders who gained unlawful access to the building via Ollerton Avenue multiple times with the use of a stolen truck and a multitude of tools, according to police. There has been no comment made on the remaining outstanding.

It is well-known that this variety of theft is quite a lucrative crime, with copper theft incidents of a similar nature attracting thieves to various older industrial buildings around the Latrobe Valley.

In December 2023, one of these incidents saw a man perish at the Opal Australian Paper Mill in Maryvale, having broken into the grounds alongside another man and a woman in an attempt to steal copper from the mill.

It was speculated this event was inspired by a ‘syndicate’ level criminal organisation who were reported to have stolen $780k of copper from 50 separate telecommunication pits across Melbourne’s north, which saw 11 arrested.

The attractive current market price of 16/kg seemingly draws in those looking for a quick buck, and statistics show that these crimes are becoming more and more concentrated in regional areas, with cities like Ballarat being described by energy providers as “definitely a hotspot” (Michael Hayes of Powercor).

The layout of telco pits and electrical wiring in the City of Ballarat, being close to freeways, made quick getaways for thieves a great appeal, but Latrobe Valley’s ageing and disused industrial assets – namely power, provide an even easier opportunity on a larger-haul scale, should thieves be bold enough to try it.

Three of the offenders will face court on August 20, two on August 13, and the other attended on July 7.

Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to copper theft.

Indicators include exposed wires, displaced pit lids, or individuals attempting to sell large quantities of copper without proper authorisation.

Reports can be made to Crime Stoppers Victoria at 1800 333 000 or through their website.