Two men have appeared before a Townsville court, accused of attempting to steal valuable copper wire from a critical site in the wake of a destructive cyclone.
Alleged Theft Attempt Following Severe Weather
The incident occurred in the aftermath of Cyclone Kirrily, which crossed the Queensland coast near Townsville in late January 2024. Police will allege that on Friday, February 2, 2024, the two men attempted to steal copper wire from a site on Bayswater Road in Garbutt.
The location is understood to be associated with power infrastructure, a critical asset often targeted for its valuable metal components. The alleged offence is particularly serious given the context of community recovery efforts following the cyclone's impact.
Court Appearances and Charges
A 39-year-old Deeragun man and a 36-year-old Gulliver man were both charged with one count of attempted stealing. They faced the Townsville Magistrates Court on Saturday, February 3, to answer to the charges.
The matter was adjourned, and both men were granted bail. They are scheduled to reappear in the same court at a later date. The Queensland Police Service investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Ongoing Issue of Metal Theft
This case highlights the persistent problem of metal theft in Australia, which often spikes following natural disasters when security may be compromised and infrastructure is exposed. Copper wire is a frequent target due to its high scrap value.
Such thefts can have severe consequences, delaying repair works, incurring significant costs for utility providers and local governments, and posing serious safety risks to both the thieves and the public.
Authorities continue to warn against targeting essential services, especially during community recovery periods following major weather events like Cyclone Kirrily.
