Man in custody over Qld generator thefts

A Rockhampton man has been taken into custody by local police over the theft of much-needed generators in the cyclone-stricken city.

A man has been taken into custody over the theft of much-needed generators in cyclone-stricken Rockhampton.

Acting Detective Inspector Luke Peachey told AAP the man was taken to the Rockhampton Police Station about noon on Wednesday, shortly after a public appeal for information.

It comes after 17 generators were stolen in the area - most used to power dangerous traffic intersections.

It's understood the man is a Rockhampton local.

Acting Det Insp Peachey said a number of new leads had also cropped up thanks to information supplied by the public.

He said those responsible had committed "a low act" and would feel the full force of the law when caught.

"We completely condemn what's happening here," he said.

"It's totally despicable."

If charged and found guilty of a theft offence, offenders could face a maximum of seven years in jail.

Police initially reported four generators stolen at the start of the week, but a spate of thefts has seen the figure jump much higher.

Looters have even plundered generators chained to posts in the Cyclone Marcia disaster zone.

In addition to traffic intersections, generators have also been taken from businesses.

The 17 generators were taken between Saturday and Tuesday, when many residents were stranded without power after the devastating category five storm hit Rockhampton on Friday.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world