Two men have been charged after allegedly causing $130,000 worth of damage to electrical transformers and stealing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of copper, fuel and tools from energy sites across Tasmania.
A 42-year-old Campania man and a 37-year-old Tunnack man were arrested late on Wednesday at Brady’s Lake in the Central Highlands.
Detectives carried out the arrests with support from the Special Operations Group.
Police allege the pair targeted TasNetworks and Hydro Tasmania infrastructure in a series of burglaries.
They are accused of stealing copper, tools and about 400 litres of diesel fuel, along with a trailer worth around $8,000.
Damage to TasNetworks infrastructure, including electrical transformers, is estimated at around $130,000.
Police searched several vehicles and properties after the arrests.
They recovered around $30,000 worth of allegedly stolen copper and tools.
Some of the recovered property had allegedly been taken from an electrical contractor working at a Hydro Tasmania site.
Detective Acting Inspector Luke Negri said the alleged offending had caused significant concern.
“Electrical transformers are not scrap metal or ordinary property,” he said.
“They are essential infrastructure that supports Tasmania’s electricity network and provides power to homes, businesses and the broader community.”
“Anyone who targets this type of infrastructure is putting essential services at risk.”
“These offences can cause power disruption, create serious safety risks and result in significant repair costs.”
Negri said the thefts had also hurt contractors and businesses.
“The alleged theft of fuel, tools, copper and equipment from work sites also has a direct impact on contractors, businesses and the delivery of important infrastructure services across Tasmania,” he said.
The two men have been charged with multiple counts of burglary, stealing, attempted stealing and trespass.
They are due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on August 10.
