Ipswich Police are urging builders, tradespeople and homeowners to tighten security around construction sites, warning the theft of tools, building materials and appliances can lead to significant costs and delays.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s Crime Watch, Senior Constable Chantelle Dowell from the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit said construction sites could provide attractive opportunities for thieves, particularly when valuable equipment and materials were left unsecured.
“Construction site theft can have a significant impact on builders, tradespeople and homeowners, with valuable tools, building materials, appliances and equipment often targeted by offenders,” she said.
Police say taking simple security precautions throughout each stage of a build can reduce opportunities for theft and potentially save those involved from the financial and practical consequences of replacing stolen property.
Neighbours can provide extra eyes
One of the simplest measures is building a relationship with people living around the construction site.
Senior Constable Dowell encouraged builders and homeowners to engage with neighbours and ask them to report suspicious behaviour around the property, particularly outside normal construction hours.
Temporary CCTV, sensor lighting and other security measures can also be installed during construction to deter people from entering the site.
Police also recommend coordinating deliveries so building materials and appliances arrive as close as possible to when they are actually needed.
That can reduce the amount of time valuable items are sitting unattended on a construction site.
Lock up tools and equipment
Tools and materials should be kept in locked storage containers whenever possible, with valuable items also marked for identification.
As construction progresses and the property reaches lock-up stage, doors, windows and other access points should be properly secured whenever workers leave the site.
Senior Constable Dowell said an alarm should also be activated and operating as soon as practical.
High-value items can be particularly attractive targets, with police recommending builders delay installing appliances and air-conditioning units until later in the construction process.
Once work is finished, police recommend arranging a prompt handover rather than allowing the completed property to remain vacant for an extended period.
Records of appliance serial numbers should also be maintained, while homeowners are encouraged to conduct another security review as soon as they move into the property.
“A proactive approach to site security can help prevent theft, minimise delays and reduce unnecessary costs for everyone involved,” Senior Constable Dowell said.
Register security cameras with police
Residents and businesses with CCTV are also being encouraged to register their external cameras with the Queensland Police Service through the Community Camera Alliance.
The voluntary program lets police know where privately owned cameras are located so investigators can contact registered owners if footage could assist with an incident in the surrounding area.
Registering does not mean police have constant access to a property’s cameras. Instead, it provides investigators with a way to identify potential sources of footage following criminal activity.
Camera owners can also deregister from the program if their circumstances change.
Further home and property security information is available through the Queensland Police Service website.
Anyone with information about a non-urgent offence can contact Policelink on 131 444, while information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Crime Stoppers Queensland website.
For an emergency or crime in progress, call Triple Zero (000).
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