Dalyellup has been named in the top five Western Australian suburbs targeted by building site burglaries last month.
Reports show that theft and illegal dumping at home sites in the suburb cost the state’s top four building companies close to $130,000, which was up 38 per cent on the previous month. Now the companies – ABN Group, BCG, JWH Group and Summit Homes Group – have banded together to fight back.
Meridian Services operations manager Darren Anstee said the reports form part of the BUSTED (Builders United to Stop Theft) campaign to help curb the rise in construction site crime.
Mr Anstee said the crimes were costing the building industry millions of dollars, which had a flow-on affect to homeowners by creating building delays and increased insurance bills
“Residents need to be our eyes on the ground and call out theft and illegal dumping when they see it happen, through our building site crime hotline,” he said.
Dalyellup was listed alongside Perth’s Aveley, Brabham, Southern River and Wellard as hot spots, with doors, windows, hot plates and rangehoods frequently targeted by thieves.
Mr Anstee said security at building sites was being ramped up, with an increase in tracking devices being installed on building materials and appliances.
“You won’t know what appliances have tracking devices,” he said. “At the end of the day you will get caught.”
Mr Anstee also said illegal dumping was a big issue, calling it a “faceless crime” which cost the BUSTED alliance $15,000 last month alone.
He said many people do not realise putting rubbish in building site skip bins was illegal and makes the task of building a new home harder.
To report a building site crime phone 1800 637 434 or visit bustedwa.com.au.
There has also been an increase in commercial and residential burglaries across Greater Bunbury.
Bunbury Police acting senior-sergeant Matt Leishman confirmed more than 20 properties were targeted over the weekend including a ram-raid on three businesses – Bunbury City Motorcycles, Mr Rental and Millard Marine.
Police are investigating why there was such a large spate of ram-raids, break-ins and attempted break-ins across the weekend. To report a break in contact Police on 131 444 or to report information contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
