Copper Theft Surge in Victoria: A Growing Crisis

Copper thefts in Victoria rose 175% from 2023 to 2025 compared to the period after 2018 laws were introduced.

The Scale of the Problem

5,871 copper thefts were reported between 2023 and 2025, nearly matching the total for the previous seven years. Over 50 sites are targeted across the state every week.

Homes are now the most common target, with 1,939 domestic thefts in three years—double the previous rate. The wave of crime has also struck critical infrastructure, including a Wyndham police station, a court, a prison, youth justice centres, airfields, and banks.

Impact on Infrastructure

Train Network

The rail system has suffered over 400 cancellations in the past year, contributing to a $10 million annual vandalism repair bill.

Schools

More than 250 raids have occurred in a decade, forcing some schools to close temporarily. Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School in Sunbury lost power for five days, while Carlo Acutis Primary School in Wollert shut for a week.

Telecommunications

In November, 14,000 Optus customers in Frankston and Mornington Peninsula lost service due to an attempted copper theft.

Local Government

Water meters and copper cabling have been stolen from council facilities, adding to the financial burden on communities.

Government Response and Enforcement

Laws introduced in 2018 banned cash-for-scrap transactions and required scrap metal yards to keep detailed records. However, a recycling industry source stated that crime gangs circumvent the law using registered agents.

Wyndham Council reported working with police on deterrence and enforcement, but the thefts continue to rise.

Other Notable Incidents

• A bronze statue (80% copper) of Nano Nagle was stolen from Avila College in Mount Waverley.
• Hundreds of thousands of dollars of signal wiring was stolen from the Melbourne-Adelaide train line, including 8 km of cabling near Nhill and 5 km near Dimboola.
• In Hindmarsh Shire, no copper thefts occurred on train lines from 2016 to 2024, but a dozen were recorded in 2024 alone.