$100,000 reward offered to catch culprits responsible for toppling over power pole in Pinjar

WA Police hope a new $100,000 reward will help catch the culprits responsible for toppling over a transmission tower in Pinjar last year.

The new incentive comes as State Security Investigation Group detectives continue their investigation into the incident.

Police say the incident occurred on or about April 20 when the transmission tower fell to the ground — which resulted in power disruptions to several industrial customers.

“At an unknown time, believed to be on or in the days leading up to Thursday, 20 April 2023, unknown person(s) have tampered with the structural integrity of the tower causing it to fall to the ground,” police say.

Police hope the new reward will make people with information come forward.

“The $100,000 reward is a significant amount of money, and could be life-changing for whoever has the crucial piece of information to help solve this case,” a police spokesperson said.

“At a time when so many people are feeling financial pressures, to have such a large amount of money appear in your bank account would no doubt make life easier.

“Now is the time to come forward with information. Now is the time to make the right decision, and not only help police solve this crime, but also help yourself in the process. It is not every day $100,000 is available.”

Joondalup Det-Insp. Gary Butler has previously described the incident as “unique” and “once in a blue moon” job uncommon in the nation.

“As far as we’re aware, it’s never happened in Australia. It’s happening in a couple of countries overseas,” he said.

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 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 with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.