New Crime Wave Exposed by Plumber Threatens Your Home—Here's What You Need to Know!
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The Australian dream of home ownership is one that comes with its fair share of responsibilities and worries. While we may think of burglary or vandalism as the primary threats to our homes, a new crime wave has emerged that is not only putting Aussie homeowners at risk but is also costing the economy a staggering amount of money each year. This new trend, as exposed by a frustrated Aussie plumber, is metal theft, with a particular focus on stealing copper.
Metal theft has become a 'lucrative and attractive venture for thieves,' according to police reports. The prevalence of this crime has increased significantly in recent years, with criminals targeting everything from cables to plumbing infrastructure. These stolen metals, especially copper, are then sold to scrap metal dealers who melt and reshape them, largely for use in electronics.
The impact of this crime is far-reaching. It's not just an inconvenience and a financial burden to energy providers and new homeowners; it's also a serious safety hazard. Tradies are often left to deal with the aftermath of these thefts, which can leave worksites in disarray and potentially dangerous conditions.
On the Gold Coast, one plumber's exasperation became public when he took to social media to vent his frustration over stolen water meters. 'To all the [people] stealing water meters, it'd literally be easier to get a f***ing job,' he said. His anger is understandable, considering the nightmare of repairs and the safety risks involved in such thefts.
While water meters are typically made from brass, not copper, they are just the latest example of valuable infrastructure being targeted by thieves. The Australian Institute of Criminology has reported that the federal government estimates the annual cost of metal theft to be well over $100 million. Criminals frequently target worksites, new home builds, railway lines, electricity substations, sewerage works, hospitals, and even schools.
In a particularly brazen incident, two alleged copper thieves dressed as tradies were caught on CCTV attempting to rob an Energex site in Queensland. Fortunately, police were able to intercept and apprehend one of the culprits.
The price of copper on the market can be as much as $10 per kg, depending on the type and quality. However, the industry warns that the cost of attempting to steal copper cabling could be much higher. In Queensland alone, copper theft has tripled since 2020, with hundreds of incidents reported last year. Energy Queensland has recorded some 500 attempted copper thefts since 2023, with over 300 thefts reported this year to date.
Chris Graham, an Energex area manager, highlighted the severity of the issue, noting instances where up to 1,000 metres of cable were taken in a single night. He also warned of the extreme danger thieves face, including the risk of encountering a plasma ball, hotter than the surface of the sun, during their criminal endeavours.
Copper is not only used to deliver electricity to homes and businesses but also serves as a grounding system to protect the public and utility workers. When copper is stolen, it compromises the electrical system and can lead to injuries or even death. It's estimated that 90 per cent of all copper theft occurs at night or on weekends.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial to be aware of this growing threat. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home:
1. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around your neighbourhood, especially at night or on weekends.
2. Consider installing security cameras or motion-sensor lights to deter thieves.
3. If you're building or renovating, ensure that materials are securely stored and not left unattended.
4. Work with your local community to keep an eye on vulnerable sites like schools and hospitals.
5. Stay informed about local crime trends and share information with your neighbours.
If you've experienced metal theft or have any tips to share with fellow readers on how to prevent it, please let us know in the comments below. Your insights could help protect someone else's home and safety. Remember, community vigilance is key in combating this new crime wave.
Metal theft has become a 'lucrative and attractive venture for thieves,' according to police reports. The prevalence of this crime has increased significantly in recent years, with criminals targeting everything from cables to plumbing infrastructure. These stolen metals, especially copper, are then sold to scrap metal dealers who melt and reshape them, largely for use in electronics.
The impact of this crime is far-reaching. It's not just an inconvenience and a financial burden to energy providers and new homeowners; it's also a serious safety hazard. Tradies are often left to deal with the aftermath of these thefts, which can leave worksites in disarray and potentially dangerous conditions.
Australian plumber warned about rising copper thefts hitting homeowners and the economy. Credit: TikTok
On the Gold Coast, one plumber's exasperation became public when he took to social media to vent his frustration over stolen water meters. 'To all the [people] stealing water meters, it'd literally be easier to get a f***ing job,' he said. His anger is understandable, considering the nightmare of repairs and the safety risks involved in such thefts.
While water meters are typically made from brass, not copper, they are just the latest example of valuable infrastructure being targeted by thieves. The Australian Institute of Criminology has reported that the federal government estimates the annual cost of metal theft to be well over $100 million. Criminals frequently target worksites, new home builds, railway lines, electricity substations, sewerage works, hospitals, and even schools.
In a particularly brazen incident, two alleged copper thieves dressed as tradies were caught on CCTV attempting to rob an Energex site in Queensland. Fortunately, police were able to intercept and apprehend one of the culprits.
The price of copper on the market can be as much as $10 per kg, depending on the type and quality. However, the industry warns that the cost of attempting to steal copper cabling could be much higher. In Queensland alone, copper theft has tripled since 2020, with hundreds of incidents reported last year. Energy Queensland has recorded some 500 attempted copper thefts since 2023, with over 300 thefts reported this year to date.
Chris Graham, an Energex area manager, highlighted the severity of the issue, noting instances where up to 1,000 metres of cable were taken in a single night. He also warned of the extreme danger thieves face, including the risk of encountering a plasma ball, hotter than the surface of the sun, during their criminal endeavours.
Copper is not only used to deliver electricity to homes and businesses but also serves as a grounding system to protect the public and utility workers. When copper is stolen, it compromises the electrical system and can lead to injuries or even death. It's estimated that 90 per cent of all copper theft occurs at night or on weekends.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial to be aware of this growing threat. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home:
1. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around your neighbourhood, especially at night or on weekends.
2. Consider installing security cameras or motion-sensor lights to deter thieves.
3. If you're building or renovating, ensure that materials are securely stored and not left unattended.
4. Work with your local community to keep an eye on vulnerable sites like schools and hospitals.
5. Stay informed about local crime trends and share information with your neighbours.
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