October 2020 Building and Construction Industry Stats
The month of October has seen a slight increase in crime reports with a total of 20 reports of burglary, theft and damage on construction sites across the metropolitan area and 1 in the South West. A rise of 17% from a very low level of September crime reports, but still 68% down from the monthly average of crime reports between July 2019 to date.
Offences reported included 4x burglaries, 12x stealing and 5x damage with an additional 7x illegal rubbish dumping reports. 3 reports were received from land development estates with the remainder of reports from residential builders.
Bushmead was the hotspot area with 6 reported crime reports. Extensive damage was caused to a display home under construction after offenders broke into the site via a side window and removed an installed bathroom flick mixer. Water was left running overnight and flooded all rooms damaging recently installed carpentry. An installed hot water unit, a water meter and electrical mains were stolen from 3 separate sites in the area with a number of plants stolen from a display home.
In other areas, offenders broke into a site in Camillo causing significant damage after throwing cement, tile adhesive and grout throughout the interior, including installed ovens, kitchen sinks and walls. Offenders in Golden Bay forced entry through a shopper door before stealing boxed hotplate, rangehood and a hot water unit.
Juveniles caused damage to freshly laid concrete hardstands in Wannanup and Wellards whilst damage was caused to window panels In Alkimos.
Investigations are continuing into a damage incident on a Home Group site in Birdie Grove Yanchep. Offenders rammed an onsite toilet with a vehicle, pulled a window frame from brickwork and damaged a metal door frame with several local residents woken by the disturbance. PACT investigators are liaising with witnesses and Yanchep Police.
With Police forensic examinations arranged by PACT investigator on all burglaries, the Mandurah Detectives are continuing investigations into a burglary in Halls Head. On the 4th of September, offenders broke into a BGC Housing Group site and caused damage to vinyl and carpet flooring after lighting a fire in one of the rooms. A forensic examination has provided DNA evidence of possible offenders with Police yet to interview the suspect.
November is traditional a high crime month in the industry (61 reports, including 16 burglaries in 2019). As we head toward Christmas it is a timely reminder to delay delivery of high-risk assets until just prior to installation and as close to handover as possible.
Scrap Metal Industry amendments will come into effect on Tuesday 1 December 2020 with any businesses wishing to trade in of scrap copper and copper alloys (including bronze and brass) will need to have a licence. This will assist in the regulation of scrap metals by requiring any businesses that deal in these products to obtain a Second-hand Dealers Licence.
Licensed dealers will be required to report all transactions involving copper wire, pipe and cable and provide the identity of the person selling the goods. Hopefully this will see a significant reduction in the ongoing theft of scrap metals.
PACT Site Security works with WA Police and the building and construction industry to provide efficient and effective reporting systems to identify crime trends. The accurate reporting of all crime will activate resources to reduce theft risk, track and recover property, as well as deter future incidents. Police liaison, GPS Tracking, CCTV, patrols and community engagement are just some of the tactics assisting our members to reduce crime and illegal rubbish dumping within the industry.
Builders, Land Developers and Civil contractors can contact 1800 272 836 for more information or go HERE to discuss how you can assist your business and the building and construction industry reduce crime.