Energy Explained: Looking out for copper theft

Our ‘Energy Explained’ series breaks down what you need to know about little-known aspects of the energy system. Here we explore the impacts of copper theft on the electricity network, and what people can do to look out for and report suspicious activity.

Copper is a key component of the electricity grid, and is used to deliver high voltage electricity across our network. When copper cabling from our network is stolen, it can be extremely dangerous, as well as potentially disruptive to power supply to streetlights, traffic lights, homes and businesses.

You can help by looking out for any unusual activity in your neighbourhood, such as:

• Exposed wires or a pit lid that seems to have been moved and not replaced
• People working on power infrastructure that are not wearing safety gear or using proper equipment.
• People accessing power infrastructure during night hours without a fully lit area.

So what should you do?

• If you see a copper cable theft occurring, call 000.
• If you see exposed wiring, contact your power distributor. For Jemena the number is 131 626.
• If you know information about past copper cable theft, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.