Three men have been charged with stealing more than half a kilometre of underground copper cable in Adelaide's west after being caught in the act by an off-duty police officer this week.
SA Police says further charges are expected to be laid, after investigations at properties linked to the trio uncovered weapons, cash, illicit drugs including cannabis and a further 275 metres of stolen copper.
It is alleged that 450 metres of piping was stolen from Port Road at Hindmarsh over three days in late October, with the suspects using two trucks and winches to remove the cabling, estimated to have weighed more than a tonne.
On Thursday evening an off-duty police officer noticed trucks parked at the South and Port Road intersection, with three men removing cables.
Further investigations revealed about 200 metres of copper cabling had been removed.
A 55-year-old Morphett Vale man, a 48-year-old man from Broadview and a 44-year-old man from Woodcroft were charged with theft and were refused bail after appearing in court yesterday.
Telstra South Australia regional general manager Mark Bolton said the copper network was crucial for communications across the state.
"If it doesn't look like a professional work site with the right safety gear and the right equipment, then it's probably someone taking cable illegally or messing around with our network," Mr Bolton said.
Investigations into the theft are ongoing.
Teenager arrested after city brawl
A teenager has suffered face and hand injuries after being slashed in a city brawl involving 20 people overnight.
The fight broke out near the Rundle Mall tram stop at 2:30am on Saturday.
The 19-year-old Magill was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment.
Police saw the suspect in Pirie Street a short time later on CCTV and arrested him in possession of a multi-tool allegedly used in the assault.
The 21-year-old Brahma Lodge man was arrested and is expected to be charged today.
Man arrested over taxi theft
Meanwhile a man has been arrested after allegedly holding up a taxi driver overnight.
Police say the man threatened the driver about 1:30am while travelling with three other people to Mawson Lakes.
The 27-year-old man from Taperoo stole the driver's phone and cash before fleeing the car on Main North Road at Prospect.
He was later found by police and has been charged with aggravated robbery.