Article: Copper wire theft closes stations

[Fares_Fair]

Article: Copper wire theft closes stations
Sunshine Coast Daily
Updated: 2nd August 2012 8:03 AM

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/08/01/rail-boss-slams-theives-theft/

QUEENSLAND Rail customers could be at risk of electrocution if thieves continue to steal copper wiring.

High-priced copper wire was stolen from Pomona and Cooran stations on Tuesday.

Six stations between Caboolture and Gympie were closed before the wiring was replaced and power restored to local stations including Eumundi, Woombye, Palm-woods and Mooloolah yesterday morning.

Several more cases of theft were identified through the investigation into the line yesterday, sparking concern for the safety of passengers.

"Inspections of assets throughout the state have confirmed this theft has extended to the protective earth connections on several types of overhead power equipment," Queensland Rail chief net-work officer John Pistak said yesterday.

"The issue here is the proximity to customers. While the risk was low, we are not prepared to take any risk."

The copper used for the rail line acts as the "grounding" for objects that could build up a charge.

Without it, Mr Pistak said passengers could be at risk of an electric shock.

"To thieve equipment from Queensland Rail is illegal but to endanger the lives of customers and staff for the sake of saving a few dollars is utterly reprehensible," he said.

Police said an investigation into the theft would be ongoing.

If caught offenders could face theft, trespassing and wilful damage charges.

Mr Pistak said that additional inspections and security measures at stations and on railway property had been put in place to detect and prevent further theft.

"We have endeavoured to educate all staff on how to identify the absence of copper wiring, how to alert our electrical control operator and safety precautions to avoid an electric shock," he said.

"We are working with Queensland Police Service to catch the culprits and ensure it doesn't happen again."

[Stillwater]

I am left wondering:

(1) Was it easier to steal the copper cabling because the temporary platforms on the Sunshine Coast have open spaces under the platform, where people could crawl?  Presumably, there are no CCTV cameras down there.

(2) Has the cost of replacing the copper cabling, security, extra bus hire etc. and also the Pomona Station platform due to flooding earlier this year added significantly to the allocated maintenance costs for the SCL.

[STB]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/man-28-to-face-court-on-90-charges-after-allegedly-stealing-copper-fittings-from-qld-rail-sites/story-e6freoof-1226443615145

Man, 28, to face court on 90 charges after allegedly stealing copper fittings from Qld Rail sites

AAP August 06, 2012 8:07AM

A MAN has been charged with endangering the safety of commuters after allegedly stealing copper fittings from Queensland Rail sites.

The 28-year-old is facing 90 charges, with police alleging he stole copper wiring and fittings throughout the Caboolture district, north of Brisbane, over four months.

He's facing 26 counts of endangering the safety of rail commuters, 29 counts of entering premises with intent, 32 counts of fraud and three counts of interfering with the railway.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between March and July this year.

The man is due to face the Caboolture Magistrates Court on Monday.

Last week, Sunshine Coast rail commuters faced disruptions after thieves again stole copper wiring from train stations.

On Tuesday, six stations were closed due to the theft of wiring used to earth overhead powerlines, and other thefts followed later in the week.

[Stillwater]

While this man is facing charges of theft, given the possible consequences of his actions, should not the charge sheet include a charge for endangerment of human life?

[Fares_Fair]

I had a brief chat with Annie Gaffney of 90.3 ABC Coast FM this morning regarding the impacts of the copper thefts upon commuters. (Thank you Annie)
I have received a report that the disruptions will continue to occur until at least Thursday.
ABC radio are awaiting information from Queensland Rail on the situation.

Palmwoods temporary platform area is now cordoned off (as of Monday night).
Up until then, it had been freely accessible for walk-on commuters, whilst trains bypassed the stations for safety reasons.

These are adding around a 1/2 hour in the mornings and about a 1/4 hour in the evenings, to our already long sojourn.

[Stillwater]

Pomona 'temporary' platform was also cordoned off at weekend.

[Fares_Fair]

Article: Alleged copper thief refused bail.
Caboolture News
Natasha Christian | 7th August 2012 9:45 AM

http://www.caboolturenews.com.au/story/2012/08/07/alleged-copper-thief-denied-bail/

A HOMELESS man who allegedly stole 530 kilograms of copper from various Queensland Rail locations was no stranger to the crime.

Blair Edward Hudson, 28, appeared before Caboolture Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon charged with 90 offences in relation to stolen property throughout the Caboolture District.

His long blonde hair, fair complexion and scruffy flannelette shirt could be likened to grunge icon Kurt Cobain.

Mr Hudson was charged with 26 counts of endangering persons travelling by railway, 29 counts of entering premises with intent, 32 counts of fraud and three counts of interfering with railway property.

Police believed that between March 23, 2012 and July 27, 2012 copper grading rings and copper grading earth straps were stolen from various Queensland Rail sites.

Last week, Caboolture and Sunshine Coast rail commuters faced many disruptions after copper wiring was stolen from train stations.

In court, prosecutor Senior Constable Leisl Stephenson said the removal of copper grading rings could result in electrical build-up which was potentially dangerous.

Ms Stephenson said train lines were stopped four times recently in relation to offences however she believed the hazard went unnoticed more than that.

Ms Stephenson alleged Mr Hudson mainly committed his crimes at night, waiting until the last train on the Caboolture line left the station before he got to work on the tracks.

"He almost always sold it the morning after he stole it," she alleged.

Defence lawyer Blair Hoolihan said Mr Hudson was a Diesel Fitter who earned roughly $450 a week.

"He was aware police were likely to catch him," Mr Hoolihan said.

Magistrate Paul Johnstone questioned a previous conviction which he believed was relevant to the current charges.

Mr Hudson appeared in Caboolture Magistrates Court on September 30, 2011 charged with stealing and trespassing in similar circumstances.

That time, Mr Hudson escaped with a fine.

Magistrate Johnstone said that it was clear Mr Hudson's crimes had increased in intensity since he was caught the first time and deemed him an unacceptable risk to society.

Magistrate Johnstone denied Mr Hudson's request for bail and ordered him to be remanded in custody.

Mr Hudson is scheduled to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court via video link on September 13.

Caboolture Scrap Metal Recyclers office manager, Michael said a kilo of copper was worth between five and six dollars a kilo whereas other metals such as steel and brass did not fetch nearly as much.

While copper theft was not uncommon, Michael said he believed the poor economic climate may have been a reason for the recent spikes.

METAL MONEY
Steel - 10c/kg

Stainless steel - $1/kg

Brass - $3.40/kg

Copper - $5-$6/kg

[Stillwater]

Channel 7 local news tonight reported on the court case of the man who stole copper wire from seven stations across the Sunshine Coast, including Cooran, Pomona and Palmwoods.  He received a 15-month jail sentence, but will be eligible for release after being behind bars for 300 days.