March 2021 Building and Construction Industry Crime Statistics
With increased building and construction activity across the industry, March has seen a significant increase in building and construction industry crime. A total of 50 incidents of burglary, theft and damage were reported to Police on behalf of PACT Site Security members. Although a 7% decrease in reported crime from the same time last year, it represents a 49% increase from the monthly average.
Interestingly, the increase in crime reports has coincided with reductions in Government assistance ‘Job Seeker’, and the more recently ‘Job Keeper’ allowances. Overall community crime has also seen increases over the period.
12 x burglaries, 31 x stealing, and 7 x damage incident were reported during the month, with an additional 6 x illegal rubbish dumping and 2 ‘other’ reports. Of the total 58 reports, 4 were received from Land Developers and the remainder residential builders. Hot spot areas included the Apsley Estate in Mandogalup with 5 reports, Piara Waters with 4, Baldivis, Madora Bay and Dawesville all recording 3 incidents. The southern suburbs recorded 94% of all reported crime, including 1 reported burglary in Yalyalup (Busselton).
Hot water units were again the high theft items with 9 reported thefts, all from installed positions. Mandogalup, Piara Waters, Treeby and Madora Bay were hotspot areas with 2 units stolen from each of the areas. GPS tracking of a hot water unit in Armadale resulted in a male charged with stealing after a stolen hot water unit was tracked to his home address and subsequently recovered by Police, more information HERE
With new copper scrap metal regulations commenced on December 1st 2020 (more information HERE), there has been a slight increase in scrap metal theft from February with 4 reports. Window frames were stolen from sites in Brabham and Piara Waters, with electrical cable stolen from sites in Brabham and Cloverdale.
5 persons were charged with building site crime in March. After extensive damage to windows on a site in Kelmscott 2 juveniles were apprehended after a witness contacted Police. 2 juveniles were also charged with damage to window frames on a site in Bullsbrook and an adult male charged with stealing a hot water unit.
Land developers and local councils have raised concerns over the failure of many builders and trades to manage onsite waste on small block construction sites, such as the Alkimos East estate. Builders will face local council infringements if they fail to manage onsite waste appropriately and on behalf of land developer members, PACT investigators will liaise with local councils when evidence is available.
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.