February 2021 Building and Construction Industry Statistics
With increased building and construction activity across the industry, February has seen a total of 21 incidents of burglary, theft and damage reported to Police on behalf of PACT Site Security members.
This represents a slight increase from January (17), a 40% reduction from the monthly average and a 56% decrease for the same time last year.
8 x burglaries, 12 x stealing, and 1 x damage incident were reported during the month, with an additional 2 x suspicious activity and 6 x illegal rubbish dumping reports. Of the 29 reports, 4 were received from civil contractors, 3 from land developers and the remainder residential builders. Reports were spasmodic with 45 % of reports in southern suburbs with the remainder to the north and east. Wellard (3) and Baldivis (2) areas recorded the highest number of reports.
BGC Housing Groups GPS tracking strategy continues to identify building and construction industry thieves. With the theft of a hot water system in April 2020 a male offender was charged with stealing after GPS tracking led PACT investigators to his home address in Shelley.
At 0041 hours 22/2, the same offender was again involved in the theft of an installed hot water unit from a BGC Housing Group construction site in Lynwood, again with a GPS tracking unit installed.
Investigators tracked the unit to a bush location in Riverton where a second stolen hot water unit was also located.
With the assistance of the Cannington Police the offender was located, interviewed, and charged with two counts of stealing.
Investigators continue to liaise with Midland Detectives regarding a series of burglaries on a BGC Home Group display in the Iluma Estate, Bennett Springs. A vehicle has been seized in relation to the offences and Police are seeking the whereabouts of an adult male, pictured below, who is known to the Police.
Offenders removed 17 temp fencing panels and footings from a civil construction site in Ocean Reef, with installed main power cable stolen and machinery damaged in Aveley.
PACT investigators continue to coordinate forensic examinations on all offences where evidence may be available. Forensic examinations in Beldon have resulted in the arrest of a male person for burglary after a small amount of blood was found at the scene. Extensive damage was caused when the entire house was flooded after the offender removed kitchen tapware, leaving the water running overnight.
When the offender was interviewed by Police, he admitted he could have been there but had no recollection of the incident as he was under the influence of drugs at the time.
Forensic examinations on a burglary in Lynwood also identified a female offender who has now been charged.
With new copper scrap metal regulations commenced on December 1st 2020 (more information HERE), there has been a significant decrease of PACT reported scrap metal theft. Only 2 reports were received in February with mains power cable and internal wiring theft reported.
PACT Site Security continues to closely liaise with WA Police through our industry-based MOU to provide a holistic approach toward reducing crime and illegal rubbish dumping and providing a safe and secure environment for members, trades, and the wider community.
Ensure you report all building and construction theft and damage to assist the industry in reducing the impact of crime.
Builders, land developers and civil contractors can contact 1800 272 836 or go HERE to connect and discuss.