Site Secure plan to target thieves and protect homeowners

27/8/02
Thieves who steal and vandalise building sites are the target of a new campaign which also rewards the public for alerting police to suspicious behaviour.
Premier Geoff Gallop today launched the pilot Site Secure campaign, which is a partnership between the north-west metro district of SAFER W.A., the Master Builders' Association, the cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup and local police.
"Theft from building sites is becoming increasingly common and it is costing builders and, in many cases, causing building delays," Dr Gallop said.
"Ultimately the costs of theft and vandalism are passed onto the homeowners and the community in general in the form of bigger construction and insurance bills."
Figures showed that window frames are currently a popular target, with thieves cutting them down for scrap metal. Hotplates, hot water systems and wall ovens are other common items stolen from building sites which are at lock-up stage.
The Premier said the campaign, to which the State Government had committed $5,000, would see 'Site Secure' signs go up outside homes covered by the pilot project.
"The signs will have a 1300 number listed for anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to call immediately," he said.
"The call will go through to the Joondalup Police Station.
"The Master Builders' Association sponsorship will see callers rewarded with up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction."
Local councils are also playing their part by undertaking to have council security patrols monitor properties after a builder advises they are at lock-up phase. They will also promote the program to owners who had a building licence approved within the council.
"I will be interested to see the results of the six-month trial, as this is an innovative and proactive campaign which is trying to bring parties together to support each other's effort to deal with a significant problem that impacts on all of us," Dr Gallop said.
He congratulated the MBA, Councils of Joondalup and Wanneroo, SAFER W.A. and the local police for their efforts in putting together the initiative and urged local residents to give it all their support.
The phone number to report suspicious activity at building sites is 1300 661211.
Premier's office: 9222 9475