Combating copper theft

ActewAGL has partnered with Crime Stoppers and other federal agencies to combat the increasing level of copper cable theft in the ACT.

The organisation has also commenced utilising DataTrace Technology, a system that coats objects with a fine mist – invisible to the naked eye and containing molecular traces embedded with a business name and ABN number – to act as a deterrent in preventing future thefts from occurring.

DataTrace has been rolled out on thousands of assets throughout the organisation, including cable and major machinery, as well as hand and power tools. As they are acquired, ActewAGL also marks new tools, cabling and associated equipment prior to implementation.

Copper theft is regarded as extremely dangerous and poses a major threat to public safety.

ActewAGL is not only concerned about the monetary loss and interruption of services caused by the theft of copper products, but also for potential public safety risks that could result from thieves breaking into dangerous private property, such as power substations.

For more information, or to report copper theft, visit the Crime Stoppers website.