Copper thieves will face greater jail time after Queensland strengthened penalties for metal theft under new laws.
And Moreton Bay City Council, for one, welcomes the new laws.
The key features of the new law passed by parliament include:
- Extending jail time up to 25 years for stealing or damaging equipment, including during a natural disaster;
- Introducing a new offence for trying to steal metal with a maximum penalty of seven years in jail.
- Stricter identification and record-keeping requirements for scrap metal dealers.
- Greater penalties for dealers who fail to report suspected stolen property and unlicensed second-hand property to police.
The government says these thefts pose life-threatening risks and cause major disruptions while sports clubs have been hit hard financially to the point of temporary closure.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington says they are “sending a clear message that stealing or damaging critical electrical infrastructure will not be tolerated, especially when lives are put at risk”.
“These crimes cause major disruptions and cost communities millions of dollars every year whether it’s local sports clubs, transport networks, or essential services like water and telecommunications.
“Metal theft has damaging impacts right across our state,” she says.
Transport Minister and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg says copper thieves are putting lives at risk.
“Copper theft disrupts rail services, damages critical road infrastructure, puts lives at risk and costs taxpayers millions of dollars.
“This legislation will impose serious consequences on offenders, protect streetlights and train signals, reducing costly delays for commuters, freight operators, and taxpayers.”
COUNCIL WELCOMES COPPER THEFT CRACKDOWN
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says they welcome the crackdown.
“For too long, copper theft has left sporting clubs, parks and public spaces without essential lighting, creating safety concerns for our community,” he says.
“These new laws will help protect the infrastructure that our sporting clubs rely on and improve safety for residents by reducing the risk of streets, pathways and community facilities being plunged into darkness.”
Council says it has pushed for stronger penalties for more than three years.
At the 2023 state councils’ annual conference, the 76 other councils backed Moreton Bay’s call for action.
“Since 2021, copper theft has cost Moreton Bay City more than $500,000 in repairs alone,” Flannery says.
