July 2020 Building and Construction Industry Crime Statistics

With the majority of COVID-19 restrictions lifted in July, we have continued to see a decrease in reported crime from PACT members. A total of 25 reports were received, which consisted of 6 x burglaries, 1 x attempted burglary, 7 x stealing, 2 x damage, 7 x illegal rubbish dumping and 2 x suspicious behaviour.

Averaging 58 reports in the 1st quarter of 2020 this represents a 57% reduction in reported crime on the back of a 36% reduction in June. Great results for our members although with increase land sales and building activity we expect reported crime to increase in the coming months .

Of the 7 illegal rubbish dumping reports, two reports have been passed to local councils after evidence was discovered amongst the rubbish potentially identifying offenders. Three reports had the rubbish removed with another dumping in Hilbert, of over 10 cubic meters of sand, removed after inquiries by PACT investigators discovered a site works contractor had failed to remove it after the completion of another in the area.      

60% of reported incidents occurred in the southern suburbs with Wellard the worst-hit suburb with 2 burglaries and 1 stealing reported.

Scrap metal theft reports remain low with the theft of a single water meter in Wanneroo and the theft of aluminium window frames in Wellard.

After a burglary on a Home Group site in Rivervale PACT investigators installed GPS tracking devices at the site on July 6th. On July 10th one of the GPS tracking devices was activated after a hot water unit was stolen from its installed position.

PACT Investigator conducted ongoing investigations and liaised with Cannington Police and on Friday, July 31st, after conducting a period of covert surveillance, PACT Investigator supplied Police with an address in Scarborough where they believed the hot water system was located. Police attended and recovered the hot water unit from a vehicle at the address. A plumber has now been charged with receiving stolen property and another male from Rivervale has been charged with stealing, more information HERE   

The accurate reporting of crime and illegal rubbish dumping heightens the awareness of the issues faced by the building and construction industry amongst industry stakeholders, WA Police, local government, and the wider community to enable a unified approach to reduce crime.

PACT Site Security continues to work with WA Police and its members to provide efficient and effective reporting systems to identify crime trends within the building and construction industry. Accurate reporting of all crime activates resources to reduce theft risk, track and recover property, as well as deter future incidents. Police liaison, GPS Tracking, CCTV, security patrols and community engagement are just some of the strategies implemented.   

Call 1800 272 836 or click HERE to make contact.

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