Copper cabling thief receives shock of a lifetime

Thursday, 23 August, 2012

An alleged thief got more than he bargained for on Tuesday night, receiving an electric shock while trying to steal copper cabling from an unoccupied Adelaide factory.

The man entered a fenced-off electrical substation and inadvertently touched a power bar containing 6350 V, leaving him with burns to his left hand as well as exit burns on his head and thighs.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and was reportedly undergoing surgery on Wednesday afternoon. He will face criminal charges for being unlawfully on the substation premises.

“Police again wish to reiterate the risks associated with stealing copper and other cabling and remind the public that it is not only illegal but handling electrical cables by the unqualified is also very dangerous,” South Australian Police said in a statement.

Related News

Electrical retailers fined for non-compliant appliances

Two Perth retailers have received fines of $5000 each after inspectors found most of the...

Legrand expands its Australian data centre portfolio

The electrical and digital building infrastructure company has acquired Australian business...

ETU responds to Budget

The Electrical Trades Union has responded positively to the federal Budget, highlighting wins...


  • All content Copyright © 2025 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd