Copper has been stolen from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) facility on the Barton Highway, and ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance.
Twice within the last month at the CSIRO facility (between Nicholls and Evatt/McKellar), the offenders cut live power lines down to obtain copper from them.
In both cases, live electrical wires were left exposed on the ground.
Earlier this year, copper was stolen from Commonwealth heritage-listed buildings in Lawson, resulting in extensive damage.
Between January and April 2024, a man damaged a property in Lawson to obtain copper.
A 53-year-old Curtin man was charged with five counts of trespassing on prohibited Commonwealth land, four counts of damaging heritage in reserve, four counts of theft, and burglary. He faced the ACT Magistrates Court in May.
In a separate incident in May, police responded to reports of several people unlawfully entering another building in the same facility.
Police found three men within the building, one of them hiding.
A fourth man fled the scene in a white Holden ute, despite police directing him to stop. He was arrested at his residence in Spence.
Four people have been charged in relation to this incident with aggravated burglary, trespass on prohibited Commonwealth land, theft, damaging Commonwealth property, and failing to stop for police.
Inspector Nigel Booth from Gungahlin Police Station said that these outcomes should serve as a warning to the community as to the repercussions of this crime.
“This is an example of the consequences you can expect to face if you engage in this type of behaviour and damage Commonwealth property,” Inspector Booth said.
“The theft of copper in these instances caused significant damage to heritage listed property, and irreversible damage to the value and history of the buildings.
“We are continuing to investigate the incidents at the CSIRO facility, and urge anyone with information in relation to the identity of these offenders to come forward.
“Concerningly, people have left live wires exposed. These actions are very dangerous as there is enough power in the lines to be fatal if touched.
“Our message to anyone thinking of stealing copper is simple – don’t. We have a number of methods allowing us to disrupt this offending, and to identify and track down those involved.”
Barton Highway collision
Two vehicles collided on the Barton Highway, Crace, last month, and police seek witnesses and dash-cam footage.
About 1:00pm on Tuesday, 23 July, police and emergency services were called to a collision between a black Isuzu D-Max and a red Mazda 3 at the intersection of the Barton Highway and Gundaroo Drive.
Police spoke to the drivers, but would also like to speak to other witnesses.
Anyone with information to either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Quote reference number 7802133 for the CSIRO facility, and 7806152 for the Barton Highway collision. Information can be provided anonymously.
