MUNDARING and Ellenbrook police have charged three people following separate investigations into alleged copper theft and copper-related offending in Gidgegannup and Ellenbrook.

In the first incident Ellenbrook police charged two people following an incident in Ellenbrook on Monday, October 12.

About 7.40am, police received a report of suspicious activity involving a white Nissan Navara utility near the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Gnangara Road.

A short time later, officers stopped the vehicle on The Promenade, where a quantity of insulated copper wiring was allegedly located in the rear tray.

It will be further alleged the utility was bearing false licence plates at the time.

Both occupants were arrested and conveyed to Ellenbrook Police Station.

A 41-year-old man from Kelmscott has been charged with one charge each of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property and no authority to drive (suspended).

He was granted bail and is due to appear before Midland Magistrates Court on Friday, October 30.

A 50-year-old woman from The Vines has been charged with one charge each of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property, responsible person permitted unlicensed vehicle to be used on a road and drove, caused or permitted a vehicle with a forged, replica or false plate to be driven on a road.

She was granted bail and is due to appear before Midland Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 3.

In the second incident Mundaring Police charged a man following an investigation into the theft of copper telecommunications cable in Gidgegannup in late September 2026.

It will be alleged that between Saturday, September 26 and Tuesday, September 29 the man stole approximately 190 metres of telecommunications cable valued at more than $5000 from a telecommunications pit at the corner of Toodyay Road and Reserve Road.

Police will further allege the cable was transported to a residential address where it was processed before the recovered copper was sold to a scrap metal recycler.

On Thursday, October 15 the man was arrested following a search of his home address.

The 31-year-old man from Gidgegannup has been charged with one count of stealing.

He was granted bail and is due to appear before Midland Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 3.

Licensed second-hand dealers and scrap metal recyclers are required by law to record the identity of anyone selling scrap copper or copper alloys.

All reports of copper theft are thoroughly investigated, with a focus on identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

Information from the community plays an important role in these investigations. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is encouraged to contact police on 131 444.

Anyone with information about copper theft can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via www.crimestoppers wa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.

Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.

“The WA Police Force continues to actively target copper theft across Western Australia, working with industry stakeholders to strengthen compliance measures and deter offending,” a spokesperson said.