Police have arrested five people alleged to have stolen large quantities of deep cycle batteries from Gold Coast mobile phone towers with the intent of selling them to unsuspecting consumers.
Between January and May of this year, mobile phone towers for all the major telcos have been targeted by thieves looking for the batteries.
Collectively the companies have reported up to $125,000 worth of batteries being taken, with some of the sites allegedly raided on multiple occasions.
Deep cycle batteries are mobile phone tower locations as a backup power source in the event of a mains power outage.
The batteries have been advertised for sale on social media sites and primarily purchased by people living from an alternative a power source such as solar or wind, as well those wanting an extended power supply on camping trips.
Following extensive investigations by detectives in the Coomera Property Team, five people were taken into custody at a Southport address yesterday where 36 deep cycle batteries were located.
Items believed to be associated with a clandestine drug laboratory were also seized.
A 37-year-old man has been charged with seven counts of enter premises and one count of breach of bail.
A 34-year-old woman has also been charged with two counts of drug possession and one count each of enter premises and fail to dispose.
Further charges are expected to be laid in coming days as the investigation progresses.
Police are asking members of the community to be wary of purchasing the batteries from a second-hand source.
Anyone who has recently purchased deep cycle batteries which look similar to those in the images are also urged to come forward.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
