Copper thefts on the rise: police

By Tania Martin
POLICE have warned people to watch out for copper thefts.
This comes after copper was stolen from a hot water unit from a vacant shop in Silvan on the weekend.
Senior Constable Ken Tromp said the pipe was stolen from a property in Monbulk Road sometime between 5pm and 7pm on Sunday 14 September.
He said the offenders unscrewed the copper from a hot water service and had taken it for scrap metal.
Copper thefts have become an increasing problem in the area.
Earlier this year, the Mail reported that hills footballers had been left out in the cold after a spate of copper thefts.
Silvan and Mt Evelyn football clubs were two of five that were targeted.
The thefts left the clubs without any hot running water and some canteens and kitchens were forced to close.
Sen Const Tromp said copper thefts were still a big problem.
He said copper pipe was used a lot in the hills and thieves were hitting easy targets.
Police are urging people to watch out for any suspicious behaviour or vehicles in the area.
“If there are any suspicious vehicles people should write down the registration number and call police,” Sen Const Tromp said.
He said people should also be more aware that these thefts were happening.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything should contact police on 9756 6266.