Copper thefts on the rise across Queensland as police warn electrocution is not worth the risk

James Mort has resorted to hiring security guards to protect building sites from thieves. (ABC Far North: Brendan Mounter)

Queensland's primary electricity provider fears a dramatic rise in copper wire thefts from its statewide network could result in someone being "hurt, or worse".

Attempted and actual copper thefts from Ergon Energy and Energex have increased from 119 in 2020 to more than 330 in 2022.