‘Absolutely Astounded’: Thieves Cut Copper Spouting Off Home in Broad Daylight

Copper thieves have targeted a residential home in Epsom, Auckland, in a brazen daylight theft that has left the homeowners deeply unsettled. This incident is part of a growing trend of copper thefts across New Zealand, with power lines, railway crossings, and even historic buildings being targeted.

On July 2, thieves walked onto a residential property in the middle of the day and cut through and stole metres of copper spouting. The Epsom homeowners, who chose to remain anonymous, said the theft was shocking and unsettling. They were taking a relative’s car to get fixed when someone entered the property around 11:30 am and began cutting the copper.

The thieves managed to steal a significant amount of copper, which the homeowners have since reported to the police. The incident has raised concerns among residents about the increasing frequency of such crimes and the vulnerability of homes in the area.

This is not an isolated case. Over the past few years, New Zealand has seen a rise in copper thefts, targeting everything from power stations to churches. In one recent case, thieves crawled underneath Kidsfirst Kindergarten in Christchurch and stole copper piping, causing significant damage and disruption.

Another notable incident occurred at two Te Awamutu churches, where thieves stole copper and left the buildings vulnerable. In a more dramatic case, the Stardome Observatory in Auckland had its copper cover ripped away and stolen, damaging the historic site.

Police have warned that these thefts not only cause financial loss but also pose a risk to public safety. Copper is essential for electrical systems, and its theft can lead to power outages and other dangers.

Homeowners are being urged to take precautions, such as installing security cameras and reporting any suspicious activity. Insurance companies are also reviewing their policies to better address the growing threat of copper theft.

As the incidents continue, the community is calling for increased police presence and more effective measures to combat this growing problem. The recent theft in Epsom has only added to the growing concerns across the country.

For those with tips or information about such crimes, authorities encourage reporting to local police or contacting [email protected] securely. The fight against copper theft is ongoing, and the community is determined to protect its homes and landmarks.