UPDATE: Two men have been arrested following a dramatic theft of copper wiring at a demolition site in Altona. The incident occurred on January 7, 2024, around 9:20 PM, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Officers received urgent reports of a theft in progress on Modal Place. Upon arrival, they observed two vehicles—a Jeep utility and a white Toyota Hiace van—allegedly fleeing the scene. Immediate action led to the van being tracked to Freya Drive in Williams Landing, where it was reportedly abandoned.
The suspects, a 50-year-old man from West Footscray and a 47-year-old man from St Albans, attempted to escape on foot but were apprehended nearby. Both men face serious charges, including theft, trespass, and handling stolen goods. Notably, the West Footscray man is also charged with possessing methylamphetamine, while the St Albans man faces additional charges for committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Officers discovered stolen copper wiring and methamphetamine inside the abandoned Hiace van, heightening the urgency of the situation. The Jeep utility remains outstanding, with authorities actively searching for its whereabouts.
Both suspects have been bailed and are scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 6, 2024. This incident underscores the ongoing issues related to metal theft, which has significant economic implications for local businesses and communities.
As police continue their investigation, they urge anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the Jeep utility to come forward. This theft serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of metal theft affecting communities nationwide.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story develops.
