WA Police appeal for help to find vandals behind ‘bizarre’ transmission tower collapse in Pinjar

Police say the culprits behind the tampering of a transmission tower in Perth’s north must have had some technical knowledge about avoiding getting electrocuted. It comes as an investigation is underway into a ‘bizarre’ case of vandalism after a 50m transmission tower in Pinjar collapsed last week. Joondalup Det-Insp. Gary Butler said there had been significant damage to the metal structure after it crashed down about 5.02pm on April 20. “We’re keen to get an understanding over April 1 to April 20 because the suspects may have come back multiple times to damage the structure of the tower,” he said. Police are appealing for help in tracking down the culprits who they believe may have been dressed in workmen or technician gear in or around the area of Buloke, Wandoo and Skink roads. “They may have been dressed to not raise suspicion ... because the tower collapsed at daylight so the fact that you were brazen enough to tamper with the structure in the middle of the day means that you had to not have any concern you’re going to raise suspicion,” Det-Insp. Butler said. “We’re looking for dashcam footage or GoPros. It is a highly populated area for four-wheel drive enthusiasts and motorcycle riders so any support we can get at this time would be very beneficial.” Det-Insp. Butler said the attack was a “unique” and “once in a blue moon” job uncommon in the country. “As far as we’re aware, it’s never happened in Australia. It’s happening in a couple of countries overseas,” he said. No one was reported to be hurt by the collapse but the damage forced some businesses to temporarily lose power. Det-Insp. Butler said while there was not a dollar figure set on the damages yet, it could be more than a million. “I don’t think I can put a total on it but it’s a 50m steel structure so I would suggest a significant damage,” he said. “These steel structure towers don’t collapse ... they’re built to withstand cyclonic conditions. It’s very troubling and we’re keen to get as much public support as we can to identify suspects.” Anyone who observed any vehicles or individuals in the vicinity of Buloke Road and Wandoo Road, on Skink Road, between April 1 and April 20 is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online here.

WA Police appeal for help to find vandals behind ‘bizarre’ transmission tower collapse in Pinjar

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