200m copper theft closes Redbank Plains shopping centre for a day
Thieves stole about 200 metres of copper and electrical wiring from a South East Queensland shopping centre, forcing major closures.
Thieves stripped 200 metres of copper and electrical wiring from Town Square Redbank Plains on Monday night. The theft left the centre without power and forced Woolworths, Aldi, Coles and smaller food businesses to close.
Refrigerated stock was lost at food retailers. A masked man damaged a security camera on November 1, then unknown offenders cut through perimeter fencing and forced a door on November 5.
The theft was discovered November 9. A rise in copper prices has fuelled scrap metal thefts across Queensland.
- 200 metres
- Copper and wiring stolen
- Town Square Redbank Plains
- Location
- November 9
- Theft discovered
- Woolworths, Aldi, Coles
- Major supermarkets forced to close
Why it mattersCopper theft puts lives at risk by cutting power, street lights, and communications during emergencies. Earlier this year, thieves cut phone lines in Townsville during a cyclone.
