Two charged after alleged copper wire theft near New Lambton landslip site

newy.com.au – Two men have been charged after an alleged copper theft near Newcastle when police found tools and a large amount of copper wire in New Lambton early Thursday.

Police said officers from Newcastle City Police were on proactive patrols of homes affected by the New Lambton landslip on Victoria Street when they spotted a vehicle running and parked in the middle of the road about 1.50am on Thursday 26 February 2026.

City of Newcastle says a landslip in the suburb on 23 May 2025 led to evacuations from properties across Russell Road, Baker Street, Victoria Street and Portland Place, and the site remains under restricted access in a declared danger area.

Police alleged three men ran from the vehicle when they saw officers, and a search of the car and surrounding area led to the discovery of “various tools and a large amount of copper wire”.

During a canvass of the area, police said they found an open telecommunications pit believed to be where the copper wire originated.

Two men, aged 21 and 42, were arrested a short time later and taken to Waratah Police Station, where both were charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not m/v), and breach of bail.

Police said the men were refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday, where they were granted conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 5 March 2026.

Inquiries are continuing to locate a third man, police said.