Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a spate of thefts of copper from suburbs within the shire of Cardinia, between 9 May and 12 August.
It is alleged copper cabling was stolen from businesses, worksites, telecommunication pits and high voltage kiosks, impacting critical infrastructure across the municipality.
Police will allege that the value and damage caused by the offending has amounted to over $350,000 and has had significant impacts on service providers, small businesses and the local community.
Detectives attended a Pakenham address and arrested a man on 12 August.
He has been charged with 43 offences including multiple burglaries, thefts, criminal damage, possess a controlled weapon and commit an indictable offence whilst on bail.
A 29-year-old Wollert man was remanded in custody and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 4 November.
G:MCCDMedia DivisionProactive and Reactive MediaINCIDENT MANAGEMENTTHEFT2026AugCardinia
