January 2021 Building and Construction Industry Statistics
January 2021 has seen a relatively quiet month for PACT Site Security members, a total of 16 incidents of burglary, theft and damage were reported to Police. This represents a 38% reduction in reports from December 2020, 54% reduction from the 2020 monthly average and a massive 75% decrease for the same time last year, this is ontop of an obvious increase in current building activity on the ground.
7 x burglaries, 7 x stealing and 2 x damage reports, with an additional 17 x illegal rubbish dumping reports were received during January 21. Of the total 33 reports, 28 were received from residential builders, 3 from land developers and 2 from civil contractors.
With an expected increased in illegal rubbish reports over the Xmas and NY period, 17 reports reflect the highest monthly total recorded to date. Illegal rubbish dumping continues to plague building sites and land development areas and unless the Industry approaches this issue in a holistic manner, illegal rubbish dumping with continue to impact the industry.
Investigators continue to liaise with local councils on illegal rubbish dumping issues. Incidents that potentially provided evidence of offending persons or rubbish dumped on verge areas usually result in the removal of rubbish by offenders or local council waste management officers.
Investigators continue to liaise with Midland Detectives regarding a series of burglaries on a BGC Home Group display home in the Iluma Estate, Bennett Springs.
At 0453hrs on January 4th the offender stole several CCTV cameras from the exterior of the display home, before breaking into the premises and removing the CCTV NVR recorder and damaging the alarm system. He then returned the following night and broke into the premises via a side window stealing a large quantity of goods, including plasma TV’s, artwork and kitchen utensils.
Investigations located CCTV footage from close-by networks, including the Illuma Estate cameras.
On January 13th, the same offender returned to the display home and stole another CCTV camera. Unaware that the NVR had been replaced, good quality CCTV footage was obtained and has assisted Midland Detectives to identify the male person. Inquiries are continuing to locate and arrest the offender.
Over the Xmas/New Year break 2 civil construction site in the Whiteman Edge and Ariella Private Estates, Brabham were targeted. Offenders damaged fencing, broke into site offices and sea containers stealing laser levels, breathalysers and copper cable.
A forensic examination of a burglary in committed on a building site in Halls Head in September 2020 located DNA evidence from the scene. This has resulted in a charge against a male juvenile who has been referred to the Juvenile Justice Team.
With new copper scrap metal regulations commenced on December 1st 2020 (more information HERE), there were no reported incidents in December concerning the theft of copper. Unfortunately, this did not continue into 2021 with 2 x water meters and 2 x electrical cable reports received from residential building sites and civil contracting land developments areas.
PACT Site Security continues to closely liaise with WA Police through our industry-based MOU to provide a holistic approach toward the reduction of crime and illegal rubbish dumping and to provide 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.