Increased instances of copper theft in New Zealand

CollapseNet has recently being reporting on the increased incidence of crime such as copper theft and cargo hysts as indicators of social and economic collapse in the United States.

There have been examples of similar things occuring here; one suspects that occurances exceed reports.

Thieves brave 220k volts for copper

Brazen but brainless thieves have risked their lives by breaking into a Manawatu wind farm switch yard in an apparent attempt to steal copper wire.

Thirty-one turbines were shut down at TrustPower's Tararua wind farm about 2am yesterday after thieves cut through a wire fence, drained transformer coolant oil and dug up copper wire bands. The loss of coolant triggered alarms which shut the turbines down.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/theft/news/article.cfm?c_id=344&objectid=10666767


Another example is in this item from TV1.

As increasing numbers of people choose to disengage from the system one can expend to see crimes of this nature increase.

Aggravated robbery a targeted attack

Police say an aggravated robbery in Upper Hutt last night was a targeted attack.

Three men held an elderly Silverstream couple at gunpoint at around 6pm, demanding cash and gold.

They made off with over $50,000 in banknotes.

Upper Hutt Area Commander Inspector Mike Hill says police are currently investigating who knew the couple kept a safe in their home.

He says the offenders won't be able to keep such a large sum of money quiet, and anyone who hears talk of the robbery should contact police immediately.

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/9672383/aggravated-robbery-a-targeted-attack/