Alleged West Auckland copper thieves startled by police

Police say they have caught two men attempting to steal copper in West Auckland.

The men allegedly broke into power boxes at a Massey telecommunications site at about 7pm on Tuesday.

Waitematā West area response manager Senior Sergeant Jon Winthrop said the pair were startled when police arrived, forcing them to ditch the copper wiring and take off.

"Two men had allegedly broken into power boxes on site, pulling wiring and equipment out. Our units arrived on scene startling the pair, forcing them to leave the copper wiring and other equipment and run on foot," he said.

Winthrop said they tried to run through nearby properties and jump over fences but were caught by police.

The two men, aged 24 and 34, will appear in the Waitākere District Court on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has been charged with burglary, possessing instruments for burglary, receiving stolen property and possession of methamphetamine.

Police have also charged the 34-year-old with burglary and possessing instruments for burglary.