Police have charged six people, including two men from Cranbourne, after a lengthy investigation into copper thefts from a former hospital site in Newborough in La Trobe Valley.
From February to May this year, the alleged offenders forced entry to the site on Ollerton Avenue multiple times and stole more than 800kg of electrical cabling and plumbing.
The copper stolen is estimated to be valued anywhere up to $10,000.
Officers recovered an allegedly stolen truck and seized tools and equipment, used to remove copper on 21 February.
The truck has since been returned to its owner.
Following a thorough investigation, with thanks to assistance from the public, officers tracked down seven alleged offenders.
A 54-year-old Traralgon man was charged with burglary and theft offences and will appear before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 7 July.
A 43-year-old Cranbourne West man, a 38-year-old Cranbourne man and a 55-year-old Chadstone woman were charged with burglary and theft offences.
The trio will appear before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 20 August.
A 40-year-old Port Welshpool man and a 43-year-old Morwell man were charged with burglary and theft offences.
They will appear before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 13 August.
A 55-year-old Morwell man was interviewed by police and is expected to be charged on summons for burglary and theft offences.
Investigators wish to thank the public for their assistance and continue to encourage the proactive reporting of criminal behaviour.
