Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a series of significant copper thefts targeting rail infrastructure in northern Victoria.
Police say unknown offenders have been cutting lengths of copper wire, up to kilometres at a time, and stealing the product with more than 30 reported incidents occurring between Buangor and Serviceton since February 2024.
The offending has caused significant and costly disruption to rail freight services.
“Most concerningly, these activities are extremely dangerous as trespass and interfering with assets on the rail corridor can have significant repercussions for the safety of rail workers, train crews and the offenders themselves,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
The offenders are understood to be using 4WD vehicles to access remote areas where the wire has been laid.
Investigators have released an image of a vehicle (pictured) believed to be involved in the offending.
The white 4WD Nissan Patrol was spotted by Police responding to reports of a signal outage on a railway line near Gerang Gerung on Sunday, 2 March.
Officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, which was seen towing a trailer full of suspected copper wire, but it refused to stop for police and sped away at arounda 4.25am.
Anyone who recognises the vehicle, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
