Master Builders SA is demanding tougher laws to regulate the scrap metal industry and a taskforce to investigate and impose heftier penalties after releasing a report which has revealed a massive spike of copper theft – costing the state an estimated $70 million in 2024.
Across Adelaide, copper wiring has been brazenly ripped from hundreds of residential streets, which has threatened public safety by leaving exposed electrical wiring on public footpaths, electrical and NBN pits and even Stobie poles.
The State’s construction industry has reported escalated cases to Master Builders SA – in some cases – daily discoveries of overnight thefts from building sites, costing some builders up to $15,000 a week.
The worst reported damage bill by one builder was $2 million this year.
Perhaps the reason it’s so easy for thieves to sell the copper is due to the lack of scrutiny at scrap metal yards, according to Master Builders SA CEO Will Frogley
“Enough is enough. We want a see a police taskforce crack down on dodgy sellers and we want new laws to increase fines and impose jail sentences for those who steal it and those who buy stolen copper,” Mr Frogley said.
For more information or media interview opportunities, contact Vassil Malandris on vmalandris@mbasa.com.au or 0435 229 974.