Adelaide business owners fed up after string of copper thefts
A spate of copper thefts in the seaside suburb of Christies Beach in Adelaide has local business owners up in arms.
Owner Tim Stewart caught a thief red-handed on CCTV after receiving a notification on his phone that someone was snooping around his business on Beach Road.
After observing the man tamper with his hot water tank Stewart used his security system to ward him off.
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A spate of copper thefts in the seaside suburb of Christies beach in Adelaide has local business owners up in arms. Nine
"[I asked] can I help you, do you need anything, what are you looking for, get off my property... didn't listen," Stewart told 9News.
After the man didn't budge, Stewart quickly jumped into his car and drove to the police station.
"Found the guy still on the property, police got here a couple of minutes later," he said.
Officers then found the man attempting to hide behind the business, in between pallets.
Business owner Tim Stewart spotted the man snooping around his business. Nine
The man was found hiding between pallets. Nine
The 54-year-old man was found to be in possession of jewellery and confectionary items still with the price tag on, and a shifter.
Other businesses on the strip have also been targeted.
"Three weeks ago we had our hot water service, copper piping and all that stolen," cafe owner Matthew Tresize said.
Jaie Nelson, owner of The Beatbox, said the thefts were becoming costly and hurting small businesses.
"Every time it happens, again and again and again, yeah it's frustrating for everyone here for the beatbox, double drop, saphire house, everyone has to pay for those to be re-installed.
The man was refused bail and appeared in court today.
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