Thieves hit construction sites

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Contractors beware, Whanganui Police are concerned about an increase in thefts from storage containers on work sites.

A number of thefts of building equipment and tools from two construction sites were reported last week. A lot of electrical items and tools were taken and the thefts occurred at different locations around the city.

At one place contractors noticed a man hanging around the work site. He is described as a male about 30 years old, with dark skin. He was about 170 cm tall with short, dark hair and wearing jeans and a brown jersey. He was carrying some sort of shoulder bag and a shovel.

Acting Senior Sergeant Andrew McDonald is now reminding contractors and businesses to make sure they lock away all tools and equipment and secure storage containers using a quality padlock or lock.

"Construction sites by nature are difficult to secure properly. There are a lot of things happening on a construction site, and it can be difficult to identify people who are not supposed to be there," he said.

Most construction sites have security procedures in place and he would like any odd or suspicious behaviour reported to police.

Members of the public could help out by calling police if they saw anything suspicious after contractors had gone for the day.

"If people are hanging around equipment, vehicles or inside construction barriers after knock-off time, we are keen to hear about it straight away."

If anyone has any information about the recent thefts, they can contact Constable Luke Cranston on 349 0600 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.