Detectives have released images of two men who may be able to assist with inquiries into hazardous electrical work being conducted across the Sydney metropolitan area.
Police would like to speak with anyone who can help identify any possible locations where such electrical work has taken place or has been conducted.
Officers are concerned that an unlicensed syndicate is operating across the area which offers clients cheap wiring and unmetered access to the electrical grid.
Police believe the activities may be linked to the death of a 24-year-old tradesman at Carlton and a house fire at Bexley, both of which occurred in Sydney’s south last year.
About 3pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, emergency services were called to a house on Short Street, Carlton, following reports a tradesman had been electrocuted.
NSW Ambulance paramedics attempted to revive the 24-year-old man; however, he died at the scene.
In a separate incident, emergency services were called to Carrington Street, Bexley, just before 9.30pm on Saturday, September 30 in 2017, and found a single-level home well alight.
Fire & Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze; however, the brick and tile house sustained significant damage. No injuries were reported.
Officers from St George Police Area Command launched investigations into both incidents, with SafeWork NSW assisting in relation to the man’s death at Carlton.
St George Police Area Command’s crime manager, Detective Inspector Damian Henry, issued a warning to the public regarding the potentially unlawful and hazardous electrical works being conducted by the syndicate.
“Police believe these people are still operating in the Sydney area and we are urging the community to check the licences of any trades people they may wish to use.
“We hold serious concerns for the welfare of any person within properties where this type of electrical work has been conducted, as it has the potential to result in fire, serious injury or even death,” Det Insp Henry said.
Lives being put in ‘grave danger’
Master Electricians Australia has today issued an urgent warning to Sydney home owners that they are putting the lives of their loved ones at risk if they use illegal electricians to avoid paying for electricity.
Malcolm Richards, Master Electricians Australia CEO, said homeowners who engaged them were putting themselves in grave danger.
“I cannot be any clearer than this – you will die or your loved ones will die,” Mr Richards said.
“If you think electricity is expensive now, think about the price that you might pay.
“If you pay unlicensed people to illegally bypass your power meter, you also bypass all the devices built into your switchboard to keep you and your property safe.
“If you have an electrical accident later, your safety switches and circuit breakers won’t be able to cut the power.”
Mr Richards said illegal operators also use sub-standard wiring and equipment – including defective cables that have been recalled by legitimate wholesalers.
He said qualified, master electricians were increasingly finding illegal and highly dangerous wiring installations when they were working on properties, and he called on regulators to increase penalties for illegal operators and the home owners who engage them.
“We know from recent police reports that this activity has already cost the life of one young tradie, and we can be certain that many more innocent workers will be put at risk by this disgusting behaviour.
“In our view the only way to stop these people selling their dangerous services is to increase penalties for both the people who do the work and those who own or rent the property.”
- Anyone with information about the incidents at Carlton and Bexley is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
