Police have shut down a scrap metal business and arrested a further five people as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale copper thefts costing more than $780,000.
Eleven people – allegedly involved in an organised crime syndicate responsible for more than 50 large-scale copper thefts – have now been arrested as part of the operation.
In addition, the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court have granted a police order to shut down a Reservoir business which allegedly received more than $260,000 in stolen goods.
Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad made the application on 3 November.
It was granted on the basis the business was not registered as a second hand dealer. It will now be banned from operating for two years.
The alleged business owner, a 58-year-old Cottles Bridge man, was charged with 10 counts of handling stolen goods, 10 counts of recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, and two counts of possessing property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
Police also charged him under the Second Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act with carrying on the business of a second hand dealer whilst being unregistered, failing to keep prescribed records, and paying for scrap metal in cash.
He was bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 December.
Detectives began investigating after around 50 alleged copper thefts occurred in Melbourne’s northern suburbs between January and June this year.
On 29 June, police executed warrants at a number of properties and seized around $95,000 worth of stolen copper.
It’s alleged the offenders used portable power tools to cut through cabling at telecommunications pits to steal large quantities of copper.
The thefts are reported to have caused significant damage to infrastructure as well as causing undue distress to the community through disruptions to internet and power services.
The six people arrested following the warrants in June include:
• A 43-year-old Bundoora man who was charged with the theft of $215,000 worth of copper cabling and criminal damage to the value of $30,000 to telecommunication footpath pits. He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 December.
• A 31-year-old Bundoora woman who was charged with theft. She was bailed to appear before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 22 November.
• A 39-year-old Eltham man who was charged with theft and handling stolen goods. He was charged on summons to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 December.
• A 34-year-old Glenroy man and a 31-year-old Reservoir man who were released pending further enquiries.
The further five arrested between June and November include:
• A 41-year-old Reservoir man who was charged with theft and bailed to appear before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 15 December.
• A 41-year-old Harkness man who was charged on summons with theft and will appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 December.
• A 20-year-old Reservoir man who was charged on summons with theft and will appear before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 15 December.
• A 48-year-old Doreen man, a 35-year-old South Morang man, and a 20-year-old Reservoir man were released and are expected to be charged on summons with theft.
Anyone who has information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Victoria Police can apply for a long-term business closure order for premises that operates as a second-hand dealer and are either unregistered with the Business Licensing Authority, or that there has been, or is likely to be a serious criminal offence committed at or in connection with the premises.
Quotes attributable to North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson:
“Large-scale copper thefts affect us all as it damages critical infrastructure which in turn impacts telecommunication networks, public transport signalling and power supply.
“That’s why we’re not only targeting thieves, but the receivers as well.
“We can put a real dent in the illegal scrap metal trade by limiting the ability for would-be thieves to dispose of stolen goods and make money from it.
“We hope this sends a clear message to second hand dealers that are tempted by the lure of quick money.
“When purchasing stolen goods, you’re not only risking criminal charges, but also your business and livelihood.”
