Alert on copper thieves

NATIVE Point near Perth has become the latest victim in a string of copper thefts targeting irrigation pivots on Northern Tasmanian farms.

Not only are the theft incidents causing thousands of dollars worth of damage for farmers, but also potential operational delays and ongoing financial impacts.

Property owner Sandy Gibson said he found a whole span of wiring, approximately 56m, had been cut and taken from a pivot recently.

The farm’s irrigation system, essential for maintaining crops, is now compromised, leaving the family farm with a repair bill on top of the cost of replacement parts and downtime.

“We know they’re likely stealing it for the copper and selling it as scrap,” Mr Gibson said.

Police were called to the scene and confirmed they had received similar reports recently.

Some locations are in new subdivisions, such as those around the Launceston Country Club at Prospect, where reports suggest the copper is allegedly being stolen as soon as it is laid in the ground.

Mr Gibson warned those who have pivots close to roads that they are being targeted. 

He also urged any farmers affected to report the theft to Tasmania Police.

“To help police they need the puzzle to come together, but if people don’t report it, you know nothing will happen,” Mr Gibson said. 

“We need to help by reporting incidents and suspicious behaviour, eventually, someone will get a number plate or photo of these guys.”

He said the recent thefts highlighted a broader issue of trespassing and other criminal activity that primary producers face. “Farmers are dealing with ongoing issues like illegal shooting and trespassing.

The police do their best,” Mr Gibson said. Anyone who is the victim of rural crime is encouraged to contact police in the first instance on 131 444.

Information about crime can be reported to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas. com.au. 

Reports can be made anonymously.

Senior Sergeant Michael Gillies of Longford Police said he was following up on several reports of theft from irrigators.

“It really has a major impact on the properties in question and it’s not an easy fix and its expensive to fix,” he said.

“We don’t know who is responsible, so we need to know if anyone is acting suspiciously around infrastructure – just give us a call.”