Police have charged two men following investigations into large-scale copper wire theft from the Hunter Region during the past month.
Between 14 November and 27 November 2018, land owned by the Hunter Water Corporation in Tomago, has been accessed by 4WD vehicles and approximately 940kg of copper wire removed from the ground.
The matter was reported to police at Port Stephens – Hunter Police District and an investigation was commenced.
About 1am yesterday (Monday 26 November 2018), police will allege two vehicles entered the enclosed lands and were allegedly preparing to remove the wiring.
Officers, who were conducting an operation at the location, arrested one of the men. The 47-year-old man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x3) and trespass (x3).
He was given conditional bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.
Following further inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at his home in Anna Bay. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with larceny >$15,000 (x2), trespass (x2) and goods in custody.
He was given conditional bail and will also appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on 17 December 2018.