12 July 2013

Thieves running rife on Gungahlin construction sites

12 July 2013 | By johnboy

A series of burglaries from construction sites in Gungahlin’s newest suburbs have prompted ACT Policing and the Master Builders Association (MBA) of the ACT to urge builders to secure their construction sites and equipment, and for nearby residents to watch out for suspicious behaviour around these locations.

Over the past three months, 16 burglaries and thefts have been recorded in the north, mostly on Friday and Saturday nights and on weekends when building sites are closed.

Officer-in-charge of Gungahlin station Donna Hofmeier said ACT Policing was working closely with the construction industry to identify offenders and urged builders to help prevent thefts by securing their tools and reporting suspicious behaviour.

“We’re asking builders and tradespeople to secure their equipment when unattended and keep an eye out for people or groups of people moving large or heavy items in and out of building sites out of hours on on weekends.

“Expensive trade tools such as compressors, cement mixers and heavy duty drills through to toilet and hot water systems and kitchen items have all been targeted by these thieves, plus items are being stolen from trailers and utes.”

Master Builders Association ACT Executive Director John Miller joined ACT Policing in urging building industry workers to protect their equipment, and take appropriate security measures in light of these recent thefts.

“Thefts of equipment and tools can cause significant project delays and that costs builders and tradespeople time and money, plus any resultant insurance claims affect everyone working in the industry. Some extra attention in securing tools and valuable equipment can prevent these losses.”

ACT Policing is also asking residents in the area to call police immediately on 131 444 if they see an incident occurring, or to call Crime Stoppers with any other information on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]