HAMILTON is the latest south-west location to be hit by thieves stealing copper after a Boundary Metals scrapyard was targeted in a heist estimated at $20,000 last weekend.
The scrap metal yard on the western outskirts of Hamilton, on the Coleraine-Hamilton Road, is believed to have been broken into between noon Saturday and when the theft was reported to police at 8am Monday.
There have been similar thefts of copper in Warrnambool, Colac and Horsham and five such crimes have been committed in Ballarat this year.
Warrnambool’s Powercor depot was broken into 10 days ago and tools and copper valued at $25,000 stolen.
Hamilton policeman Senior Constable Ian McNiven said the thieves used tools to gain entry last weekend by cutting a padlock, then undoing screws which were screwed back in place to cover their entry into the premises.
He said between 50 and 100 kilograms of copper was believed to have been stolen, the value of which could be in excess of $20,000, according to industry experts.
Anyone who saw a vehicle parked in the Boundary Metals area on the weekend or who may have information is requested to contact the Hamilton police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
In other Hamilton crime, an India restaurant on Thompson Street was broken into overnight Sunday, the offenders gaining entry via an unlocked rear window.
About $3000 cash was taken from a cash register and a tip jar containing about $200, a bottle of alcohol and three slabs of Kingfisher beer were also stolen.
Hamilton police are also seeking witnesses after a parked vehicle was sideswiped on Sunday night in Stephen Street.
A white Ford utility was struck by an unknown vehicle which left the accident scene. Police described the damage as minor.