Copper theft: It’s more than metal

Key points

• Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police have launched a statewide campaign to curb copper theft, which is disrupting essential services across Victoria. There were 2,747 copper and scrap metal property items stolen in the year ending June 2026, with Wyndham, Casey and Melton recording the most incidents.
• Thieves are targeting power poles, pits and substations, affecting hospitals, public transport, street lighting and communication services. The campaign, Copper Theft: It's more than metal, asks residents to report suspicious activity.
• Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said a single theft can cause widespread disruption.