Man charged with stealing copper from railway signals in Tawa

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with damage to railway signalling cables in Tawa earlier this month.

The incident occurred between 6am and 7am on Friday, July 3, when police said railway signal cables were tampered with at the southern end of the Tākapu Rd platform in Tawa.

The damage caused multiple signal issues and disrupted rail services.

Wellington Police Sergeant Ryan Storey said a search warrant in relation to the investigation was carried out on July 22, but the suspect was not located at the address.

"Our officers returned to the address the next day and arrested a man in relation to this," he said.

A 43-year-old man has been charged with intentional damage with intent to obtain a benefit or cause loss, and was due to appear in the Porirua District Court today.

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The damage in Tawa caused multiple signal issues and disrupted services, police said.

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"Police continue to follow lines of inquiry and encourage anyone who has information that has not yet been reported to get in touch," Storey said.

Information could be provided online, by calling 105, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.