# No off-season for copper thieves

Date: 8 Oct 2026
Released by: New Zealand Police

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Police are investigating 12 thefts of copper cabling from centre pivot and lateral irrigators across North Canterbury, including Swannanoa, West Eyreton, Fernside, Oxford and Darfield. Reported losses exceed $130,000 before labour, downtime and other costs. Inspector Peter Cooper said damage is surfacing as farmers recommission irrigators left idle over winter, and asked anyone who finds damage to report it through 105.

## Original release

Attribute to Inspector Peter Cooper, Area Commander - Canterbury Rural: Police have identified an emerging series of thefts involving the removal of copper cabling from centre pivot and lateral irrigation systems throughout North Canterbury. Our enquiries have identified 12 occurrences across Swannanoa, West Eyreton, Fernside, Oxford and Darfield. Current reported losses exceed $130,000, excluding labour, contractor attendance, irrigation downtime and other consequential losses. Offenders appear to be targeting copper power and control cabling from centre pivot irrigators for financial gain. Most irrigators remain dormant throughout winter and are not routinely inspected so victims are only now discovering damage, and reporting it. As people are inspecting and recommissioning irrigators for the coming season, we encourage anyone who notices damage to make a report to us. Contact Police via our 105 service, either over the phone or online.

## Key details

- Issued by: New Zealand Police
- Published: 8 Oct 2026
- Publisher country: New Zealand
- Original source: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/no-season-copper-thieves
- MediaRelease.co URL: https://mediarelease.co/nz/mr01788-no-off-season-for-copper-thieves-08102026.html

Original source: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/no-season-copper-thieves
MediaRelease.co canonical URL: https://mediarelease.co/nz/mr01788-no-off-season-for-copper-thieves-08102026.html