Northern suburbs copper thief arrested

05 Jul 2026 5:21pm

A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing copper cabling from a Smithfield telecommunications exchange this afternoon.

Police were notified of a tamper alarm at a telecommunications pit on Queen Street, Smithfield, at about 3.15pm on Sunday 5 July.

Patrols responded and following an investigation, located a man on Strathaird Boulevard, Davoren Park. He was allegedly found in possession of a wheelie bin containing copper cabling and tools.

A 36-year-old Davoren Park man was arrested and charged with theft. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday 6 July.

The theft of telecommunications infrastructure such as copper cabling can disrupt phone and internet services, affecting local residents, businesses and essential communications.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or observed suspicious behaviour in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number 175672.