COPPER cabling valued at tens of thousands of dollars has been stolen in a series of overnight raids on building sites in Carrum Downs and Skye.
Five sites have been hit since June, with offenders using a four-wheel-drive utility to pull cabling out of the ground before cutting it up into manageable lengths.
In one raid in Frankston-Dandenong Rd, two tonnes of copper cabling valued at $13,000 was taken – with a similar amount stolen in an earlier theft at the same site. Other robberies took place at McCormick’s Rd and McClelland Dr, Carrum Downs, and Potts Rd, Skye.
Around 4000 metres of copper cabling of various dimensions was stolen from a sporting reserve in McClelland Drive in the same period. The going price for stripped copper at scrap metal yards is $6.50 a kilogram.
Police said the thieves typically cut the copper cabling off at the switchboard before tying it to the back of the ute and driving down the road to haul it out.
A witness saw three men again possibly casing the Frankston-Dandenong Rd site Saturday morning, 10 October, before driving off in a small orange-coloured sedan.
Several building sites are believed to have upgraded their security, with CCTV cameras and steel-mesh fencing installed. Others are considering hiring overnight security staff.
Anyone with information is urged to call Frankston CIU, 9784 5555.
