Copper thefts surge, with churches among key targets

By CathNews New Zealand

August 22nd, 2025

Copper wire at a factory in South Korea (Wikimedia Commons)

Thefts of metals to sell as scrap have almost tripled in a decade and churches are among the places being targeted. Source: Stuff.

The surge in this type of crimes has been revealed by Police in response to an Official Information Act request from Stuff. The annual number of reported metal thefts across New Zealand reached about 2200 last year – up from the 750 reported in 2015.

Copper theft is fuelling the boom. Vital power infrastructure, railway crossings, church roofs, an old hospital and even the Auckland Stardome have been stripped of the metal.

By district, Canterbury was the hardest hit, with more than 400 reported incidents. Counties Manukau had more than 300, and Auckland City about 275. Wellington had 250 reported thefts, while Waitematā – encompassing West and North Auckland – had more than 200.

“It is highly likely metal theft will continue to increase nationally . . . previous Police reporting suggests this increase correlates with an increase in metal prices,” Police stated.

“Police data indicates districts across New Zealand experience an increase in copper and scrap metal theft at different times. The National Intelligence Centre will continue to monitor metal thefts across New Zealand to identify any changes to the environment.”

In December, security cameras captured someone stripping copper from a church roof in Te Awamutu. The vicar and her husband were camping out in the building after earlier thefts. They disturbed the intruder before more metal could be taken.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell acknowledged the increase in copper and scrap metal theft, “which has been a problem for decades”.

“My expectation is for Police to take a hard line on thieves and/or scrap metal dealers who are profiting from this offending, especially if impacting essential services and safety,” Mr Mitchell said.

Superintendent Andrew Mortimore, director for prevention, expressed concern about people putting themselves and others in harm’s way through attempts to steal copper or other metals from dangerous places such as power lines and other such structures.

“This not only puts the individual at risk of hurting themselves or worse, but potentially damaging significant structures, taking out power to thousands,” he said.

FULL STORY

Copper spouting, church roofs – metal thefts have tripled. Here’s where it’s worst (By Nicholas Jones/Stuff)