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Detectives from Upper Mount Gravatt Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged a 49-year-old Mansfield man with 65 offences, in relation to the alleged theft of water meters across Brisbane’s southern suburbs and Logan between March and October this year.

It will be alleged 32 water meters were stolen by use of power tools and damage done to water supply equipment and infrastructure, at 15 suburbs including Underwood, Coopers Plains, Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Acacia Ridge, Richlands, Archerfield, Rocklea, Salisbury, Mansfield, Slacks Creek, Runcorn, Robertson, Annerley and Springwood.

Investigations led police to issue a search warrant at a Mansfield address last month, where the 49-year-old man was taken into custody.

He has subsequently been charged with 65 offences including 32 counts of stealing, 32 counts of wilful damage and one count of enter premise and commit indictable offence.

He is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 13.

Officer in Charge of Upper Mt Gravatt Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Lonie Horn said these incidents not only have a significant impact on the community, but puts the thieves themselves at risk.

“Accessing high voltage areas and removing these meters is reckless and can result in serious burns or even loss of life,” said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Horn.

“These alleged thefts resulted in flooding in some areas and cost the victim company more than $60,000 in replacements and repairs.”

“This arrest shows Queensland Police Service’s commitment to investigate all reports of theft, and put those alleged to be responsible before the court.”

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour near water meters or electrical facilities is urged to record information such as descriptions of the persons, vehicles and registration numbers and report the matter to police.