Mitchell Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating several copper thefts in the Mitchell area, including one burglary at the Tramway Heritage Centre in Bylands.
Police officers were told unknown people forced entry into two sheds on the tramways property before leaving the scene with copper wire and brass fittings during the early morning hours on January 16.
The investigation remains ongoing and detectives are working to establish whether the incident was linked to other copper thefts in the area.
Tramway Heritage Centre secretary Graham Jordan said it was ‘frustrating’ to encounter the break-in – it was not the first time the heritage centre had experienced theft.
“We’re a voluntary, non-profit organisation. We don’t get funding, we don’t get government support, so everything we do on our site is either paid for through our membership and donations of members, or the money we raise from being open,” he said.
Mr Jordan said there was a strong indication the incident was related to previous similar incidents over the past four years.
He said the financial loss due to the thefts had surpassed several hundred thousand dollars over time.
The centre is open two Sundays a month due to the lack of volunteers.
“Unfortunately, our insurance policy does not cover the theft of our copper overhead wire,” he said.
“We have building damage … which we can claim but the damage they’ve done to our buildings is minimal – it’s what they’ve done inside the buildings that is of a concern.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
