Serious concerns have been raised by Member for Burdekin Dale Last as the north faced another severe weather season made more deadly by the despicable actions of criminals.

The theft of copper wire has seen deadly intersections of the Bruce Highway plunged into darkness over several months while police were recently also investigating incidents where copper wiring was removed from large generators in the Burdekin and telecommunications cabling north of Townsville.

Mr Last has condemned the low act which he said had the potential to put the lives of community members in jeopardy and at times, had left taxpayers footing the bill for costly repairs.

“Let’s make this very clear, this action has incredibly dangerous ramifications especially during our current periods of severe weather where having a constant source of power and telecommunications is imperative for vulnerable members of our community,” Mr Last said.

“Across December police were investigating multiple incidents of copper theft from generators placed across the Burdekin ahead of the Christmas period and I would encourage anyone with information that may assist with these investigations to contact police.”

“I would question the morals of anyone who is willing to put themselves in harm's way and ultimately endanger the lives of drivers by cutting cabling on streetlights and plunging communities into an internet blackout at the height of disaster alerts.”

Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government was taking copper theft seriously with the introduction of stronger laws into parliament later this year.

“The Crisafulli Government is taking copper theft across the state seriously and that starts with ensuring that our justice systems have the measures they need to crack down on these crimes,” Mr Last said.

“Make no mistake if you commit these low acts that have the potential to endanger other community members, particularly in their hour of need or when they are driving home after dark on a national highway, you should face the full weight of the law.”