What’s happening?
More than 30 people have been charged by the Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) as part of Operation Whiskey Biome, an ongoing police operation targeting copper wire theft across the Townsville region.
The operation is led by the Queensland Police Service and focuses on prioritising resources to prevent, disrupt and investigate copper wire thefts from energy and telecommunications companies, as well as government networks.
Operation Whiskey Biome was launched in October 2024 and remains active across the district.
Over the past week, detectives charged two men in relation to an alleged attempted copper theft at Deeragun on Sunday, 11 January.
A 34-year-old Bundaberg North man and a 50-year-old Heatley man were charged with seven counts of serious with intent to steal and one count of possessing instruments of house breaking.
Both men are expected to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on 13 February.
Investigations are also ongoing into copper theft incidents at Deeragun on 9 January, which affected telecommunications services in Townsville’s northern suburbs, and at Nome on 14 January.
Police allege that about 11.30 am on 14 January, officers were called to a creek bed near Serene Court at Nome after reports a gold Nissan Patrol was bogged and a man was acting suspiciously nearby.
On arrival, police observed about 10 metres of copper wire near the man and the vehicle.
A 33-year-old Stuart man has since been issued with a notice to appear for wilful damage and trespassing.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Why it matters
Copper wire theft can disrupt essential services relied on by households, businesses and emergency responders.
Police say the impact becomes more serious during extreme weather events, when reliable power and telecommunications are critical to community safety.
Some of the alleged offences occurred while the community was preparing for Tropical Cyclone Koji.
Local impact
The Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch is working closely with local stakeholders, government agencies and metal recyclers to detect and deter copper theft across the district.
Townsville CIB Officer in Charge Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Caswell said collaboration is central to the operation.
“We work closely with other agencies to identify and target copper theft hotspots, share information, and develop coordinated strategies to arrest offenders and reduce copper theft and its associated consequences,” Detective Senior Sergeant Caswell said.
“The detectives are using various tactical and investigative techniques to ensure a more effective response to copper wire thefts.”
By the numbers
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33 people have been charged since January 2025, showing the scale of enforcement linked to Operation Whiskey Biome.
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More than 164 offences have been laid, reflecting repeated and ongoing alleged theft activity.
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More than 200 copper thefts have been reported to police since January 2025, highlighting continued pressure on infrastructure across the region.
Zoom in
Police say community awareness plays a key role in identifying and preventing copper theft.
“Since January 2025 there has been more than 200 copper thefts reported to police however, we continue to ask members of the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around venues such as construction sites, rail corridors and telecommunication infrastructure,” Detective Senior Sergeant Caswell said.
Zoom out
Police have stressed that copper theft is not a victimless crime and can have wide reaching consequences.
“I don’t think the people committing these crimes realise this is affecting the community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Caswell said.
“We saw before Cyclone Koji how a couple of people’s selfish criminal behaviour put a whole community at risk.”
What to look for next?
Operation Whiskey Biome remains ongoing, with investigations continuing into recent incidents across the Townsville region.
The Queensland Police Service said it takes all reports of copper cable theft seriously and encourages anyone with information to contact police.
