A SPIKE in hot water system thefts from new properties has prompted a police call-out to report suspicious activity.
Sixteen hot water systems have been stolen from Dalyellup, Mill-bridge and Australind in three days.
Bunbury Police senior constable Stephanie Smith said the majority of these systems were already installed on the new homes.
“It is possible they are being sold off cheaply,” Sergeant Smith said.
“We are asking if anyone is being offered cheap hot water systems, to be suspicious as it may be stolen.”
Sergeant Smith said the systems were stolen from the properties when construction was finished and the new owners were ready to move in.
She said it was possible the person responsible knew how to uninstall new hot water systems, and it could be someone dressed as a tradesman.
The systems were stolen between June 22 to 25 and has cost businesses nearly $20,000.
Police are asking residences of Dalyellup, Millbridge and Austr-alind to keep a look out for any suspicious activity.
Police urge the community to take down details of a car, description of the person, time and date if they see this happening.
Any information can be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
