PerthNorg

Keep an eye on that copper

Police have reported an increase in copper theft following record prices on commodity markets.

Last week, Cannington Detectives charged a 33 year old man with selling a big quantity of copper wire allegedly stolen from construction sites and commercial businesses. His records showed that 2,572 kilograms of copper had been sold during the past three months, netting almost $20 000 in cash.

According to police sources, thieves have become so desperate they are targeting copper pipes carrying water and gas into residential homes. Recently, a man returned home to the smell of gas, to find his piping had been torn from ground. The attending officers, who at first believed it to be a prank report, couldn't believe the thief didn't blow themselves away while removing the pipes.