Man charged following alleged copper theft from substation - Kurri Kurri

Thursday, 14 November 2024 09:40:53 AM

A man has been charged following an investigation into a break and enter at an electrical substation in Kurri Kurri last month.

About 11.35pm on Monday 25 October 2024, a substation on Main Road, Heddon Greta, was allegedly subject to a break, enter and steal offence, with an amount of copper cabling stolen resulting in an explosion at the substation.

A short time later, emergency services were called to a home on Northcote Street, Aberdare, following reports of a man suffering burns.

A 46-year-old allegedly told police he suffered the burns during a welding accident.

The man was airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening burn injuries to his face and body.

Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District commenced inquiries into the incidents.

Following extensive inquiries, Hunter Valley Detectives arrested the 46-year-old man at the Aberdare property about 9.30am yesterday (Wednesday 13 November 2024).

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with three offences – sabotage, break and enter house etc steal, and break and enter house etc destroy property.

The man was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 13 November 2024), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 22 January 2025.

The substation is considered critical infrastructure and the cost to repair and replace the stolen cables is expected to cost in excess of $165,000.

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