Victoria Police surprised three men allegedly trying to extract copper telecommunications cables from a pit in Melbourne’s east.
A member of the public observed three men wearing hi-vis that “had cordoned off a telecommunications pit with the appearance they were working” and reported them to police.
Police allege the three “were using their vehicles to extract copper wiring out of the pit” on Mount Dandenong Road in Kilsyth.
Victoria Police detained one man, a 44-year-old from Watsonia in Melbourne’s north-east, in connection with the alleged theft.
He was charged with “theft, resist emergency worker, possess drug of dependence, drive whilst disqualified and use fraudulent registration label”, and was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on December 11.
Police said two other men fled in a “dark-coloured SUV with a trailer attached” and are yet to be located.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.