Police are warning contractors and tradesmen to secure valuable tools and equipment after an increase in thefts targeting construction sites and work vehicles across the Wellington region.
There have been 96 reported cases of vehicles been broken into since 1 April 2016. The majority have involved ‘trade professional’ type vehicles such as utes, 4x4, and small-medium sized vans.
Just over half of these thefts were reported in the Hutt Valley, a third in Wellington City and the rest in the Kapiti-Mana area.
Between 1 May and 15 July 2016 there have also been 49 reported cases of burglary where mainly tools have been stolen from both homes and commercial building sites.
Wellington District Prevention Manager, Inspector Scott Cooper says, "We are seeing an increase in thefts and burglaries from both residential and commercial building sites across the region.
Police are urging builders, project managers and contractors to be vigilant and take steps to reduce the opportunity for offenders to target construction sites.
"Security around construction sites is essential. Fencing acts as a deterrent but good locks are important too, says Inspector Cooper.
"Our advice to any company with valuable tools and equipment is to make sure they are not left in unattended vehicles that aren’t kept in secure premises overnight and at weekends. This same crime prevention principle extends to construction sites where owners and contractors are encouraged to assess the risks of leaving valuable equipment and tools at vulnerable sites. At a minimum, make sure keys are removed and vehicles locked.
"The recording of serial numbers and photographs of tools would also assist police in conducting enquires and the recovery of the stolen property,” he says.
“Police are actively patrolling and working with our community partners around these areas, we urge members of the public to report suspicious activity to police promptly," says Inspector Cooper.
"If people see any criminal or suspicious activity, call 111 straight away. The sooner we know about it, the better chance we have of catching the offenders and preventing further crimes."
Anyone with information related to burglaries in the Wellington Region can contact Police on (04) 381 2000. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre