Two Redbank Plains men charged over copper wire theft from commercial site

Two Redbank Plains men have been charged after about 239 kilograms of copper wire was allegedly stolen from a commercial premises in Redbank Plains, causing power disruptions to several businesses on the site.

Police will allege the theft followed a series of incidents over nine days. About 11pm on 1 November, a masked man was captured on CCTV deliberately damaging a security camera at the Redbank Plains Road site before leaving. On 5 November, offenders allegedly cut through perimeter fencing and forced a door open with a crowbar.

An inspection of the premises on 9 November found extensive damage to electrical infrastructure, with sections of main earthing cable cut and removed, along with other cabling believed to contain copper. Detectives from the Ipswich Property Crime Group established that about 239 kilograms of copper wire had been taken.

A 42-year-old Redbank Plains man has been charged with two counts of possession of tainted property and fraud, and one count each of enter premises and commit indictable offence, possess dangerous drugs, possess property suspected of having been used in the commission of a drug offence and possess utensils. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on 2 December.

A 46-year-old Redbank Plains man has been charged with three counts of possession of tainted property, two counts of fraud and one count each of enter premises and commit indictable offence and possess utensils. He has been remanded in custody to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on 8 January.

Detective Inspector Mick Manago said copper wire theft has significant consequences beyond the immediate financial loss. "These types of offences can have a substantial impact on local businesses and the wider community, particularly when damage to essential infrastructure results in power disruptions and costly repairs," he said. "It is not a victimless crime."

Police encourage businesses and homeowners to secure access to electrical infrastructure and storage areas, install CCTV, security lighting and alarms where possible, regularly inspect fencing, gates and external cabling for tampering, keep valuable materials out of sight, and report suspicious activity around commercial premises, construction sites and electrical infrastructure.

Investigations continue. Anyone with information should quote reference number QP2602218222 and contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day. Information can also be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers Queensland website.