The Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) has charged more than 30 people as part of an ongoing operation targeting copper wire theft across the region.
Operation Whiskey Biome focuses on prioritising resources to prevent, disrupt and investigate copper wire thefts from energy and telecommunications companies, as well as government networks.
Since January 2025, police have charged 33 people with more than 164 offences, including incidents of copper theft that occurred while the community was preparing for Tropical Cyclone Koji.
Operation Whiskey Biome launched in October 2024.
Over the past week, detectives have charged two men with multiple offences in relation to an alleged attempted copper theft at Deeragun on Sunday, 11 January.
The 34-year-old Bundaberg North man and a 50-year-old Heatley man have been charged with seven counts of severing with intent to steal and one count of possess day instruments of house breaking.
They are both expected to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court 13 February.
Investigations are also ongoing into copper theft incidents at Deeragun on 9 January, which affected telecommunications services in Townsville’s northern suburbs, and at Nome yesterday, 14 January.
It will be alleged about 11.30am yesterday, police were called to a creek bed near Serene Court, Nome following reports a gold Nissan Patrol was bogged, and a man was acting suspicious nearby.
Upon arrival, police observed approximately 10 meters of copper wire near the man and the vehicle.
A 33-year-old Stuart man has since been issued with a notice to appear for wilful damage and trespassing.
Investigations are ongoing.
Townsville CIB Officer in Charge Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Caswell said the operation is working closely with local stakeholders, government agencies and metal recyclers to detect and deter copper theft across the district.
“We work closely with other agencies to identify and target copper theft hotspots, share information, and develop coordinated strategies to arrest offenders and reduce copper theft and its associated consequences,” Detective Senior Sergeant Caswell said.
“The detectives are using various tactical and investigative techniques to ensure a more effective response to copper wire thefts.
“Since January 2025 there has been more than 200 copper thefts reported to police however, we continue to ask members of the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around venues such as construction sites, rail corridors and telecommunication infrastructure.
“I don’t think the people committing these crimes realise this is affecting the community. We saw before Cyclone Koji how a couple of people’s selfish criminal behaviour put a whole community at risk.”
The Queensland Police Service takes all reports of copper cable theft seriously and would encourage anyone with information to contact police.
Related: Attempted copper theft charges, Townsville – Queensland Police News
