A man has been charged by NSW Police after allegedly stealing over 1,200kg of copper from a mine site in the state’s west.
In August, officers attached to Central North Police District established Strike Force Greenhorn to investigate a number of alleged copper thefts from a mine site in Girilambone.
Police were told approximately 500kg of copper wire had been stolen from the mine site about 2am on Wednesday 26 August. A further report was received of a copper wire roll being stolen from the same location two days later.
Following inquiries, officers stopped and searched a utility on the Mitchell Highway near Narromine on Thursday 3 September. During the search, police allegedly located and seized a number of tools, including an industrial bolt cutter, angle grinder and a hammer drill.
Following further inquiries, about 6.50am on Monday, officers arrested a 37-year-old man on Mooculta Street, Bourke, and took him to Bourke Police Station. During the arrest, officers seized a mobile phone and ID card in his possession.
About 10.45am the same day, police executed a search warrant at a house on Bogan Street, North Bourke, where they located and seized a backpack containing knives, and two slingshots.
Following the search the man was charged with five offences:
- Dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception (two counts);
- Dispose property-theft=serious indictable offence greater than $5000 (two counts); and
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
The man was refused bail to face Bail Division Court 4. Police will allege in court a 37-year-old man disposed of over 1,200kg of copper wire to a scrap metal facility in Dubbo for a sum of money between Wednesday 26 August and Friday 28 August.
Police will also allege the alleged activities resulted in a financial gain of approximately $7,250.
