Man charged after alleged copper theft disrupts Wellington train services

Wednesday 19 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 19 Aug, 12:08pm

A 54-year-old Porirua man has been charged following an attempted copper cable theft at Takapu Road Station in Tawa. The incident, which occurred around 4am on Friday, July 3, damaged a signalling cable and forced the suspension of train services. Police searched the man's home yesterday.

How they headlined it

11:13am12:08pm

1. StuffWed 19 Aug, 11:13am

   Man arrested after alleged copper cable theft brings Wellington trains to halt (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsWed 19 Aug, 12:08pm

   Man arrested after attempted copper theft shut down Wellington trains (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 19 Aug, 12:08pm

   Porirua man charged over copper theft that disrupted Wellington rail services (opens in new tab)