Year in Review: 2024 Highlights in Reporting, GPS Tracking, and Offender Prosecution
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Progress and Challenges in Construction Industry Crime Prevention
As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s the perfect time to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our PACT members in reporting onsite crime. These efforts have led to the apprehension of offenders and played a crucial role in reducing crime and safeguarding the construction industry.
Over the past year, PACT submitted 718 criminal reports to WA Police, slightly down from 772 in 2023. These reports, submitted on behalf of our Builder, Civil Contractor, and Land Development members, highlighted the following trends:
270 burglaries – a significant rise from 169 in the previous year.
30 attempted burglaries – a slight decrease from 33.
332 stealing incidents – a notable drop from 425.
86 damage reports – reduced from 141.
25 suspicious activity reports, up from 21, though not typically categorized as criminal reports.
In addition, PACT investigators tackled 202 incidents of illegal rubbish dumping, with 139 occurring on building sites and 63 in new land development estates, most of which were cleared by local councils.
📡 Proactive Measures with Tangible Results
With burglaries on the rise, PACT investigators arranged over 300 Police forensic examinations, leading to 14 individuals identified and charged through DNA and fingerprint analysis.
To bolster site security, 128 GPS tracking devices were strategically deployed. This initiative resulted in onsite activations and the apprehension of 13 individuals involved in stealing hot water units, ovens, hotplates, and rangehoods from member sites.
These individuals also faced 20+ additional charges for crimes against non-PACT member builders.
Beyond this, PACT investigators conducted 105 additional investigations, leading to 50 offenders dealt with by WA Police for 58 offences against PACT members (+ 30+ additional charges related to non-member sites). This reflects progress compared to 43 offenders and 49 offences in 2023.
🤝 Collaboration for Broader Impact
PACT worked closely with Rapid High Harm Offender Response teams across Fremantle, Joondalup, Midland, and Mandurah districts, deploying GPS tracking to reduce burglaries. These successes highlight the power of consistent crime reporting and collaboration.
🚨 Welcoming New Members
In September 2024, the JWH Group joined the PACT program, demonstrating their commitment—alongside long-standing members—to reducing crime's impact on their projects and the broader construction industry.
⚠️ Challenges Persist
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Many major construction companies still overlook the importance of reporting theft and vandalism. This lack of reporting enables offenders to operate unchecked, perpetuating a culture of tolerance for criminal behavior.
Failing to report crime not only affects individual businesses but also damages the construction sector’s integrity and reputation. Builders and stakeholders must prioritize crime reporting, collaborate with law enforcement, and adopt robust security measures.
✅ Looking Ahead to 2025
Proactive strategies like consistent crime reporting, forensic analysis, offender identification, and GPS tracking are essential to reducing theft and vandalism. By embracing these measures, we can safeguard resources and foster a safer, more trustworthy construction industry.
Let’s make 2025 a year of stronger collaboration and a shared commitment to reducing crime and illegal rubbish dumping across the industry.
A fantastic outcome and a reminder of the importance of reporting crime within the building industry. Let’s hope the courts provide appropriate punishments.