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

Contractor, electrician fined following electric shock

A Perth business and electrician have been fined $22,500 after a wiring error caused a tradesman...

Electrician fined $42K following switchboard relocation

A household in Floreat, Perth, was left exposed to the risk of electric shock for over a year.

One in eight electrical apprentices exposed to shocks

An Electrical Trades Union survey has revealed that apprentice electricians are suffering...


  • All content Copyright © 2025 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd