5/10/03
A plan to stop theft and vandalism occurring at local building sites has been launched in Kalgoorlie-Boulder today
The Kalgoorlie Site Secure campaign is a partnership between the police, Master Builders' Association, Safer WA Goldfields District Committee, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and local security companies.
Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said the Master Builders' Association estimated that theft and vandalism at building sites was costing the industry and the State millions of dollars each year.
"It's not just the cost of the lost or damaged goods that impacts, its also the delays and interruptions to schedules that it causes," Mrs Roberts said.
"For instance, when aluminium window frames get stolen, it might cost the builder about $1,000 but it will hold up the bricklayers for three days and cost them lost work.
"Ultimately the costs of theft and vandalism are passed on to the property owners and the community in general in the form of higher construction and insurance bills."
Mrs Roberts said figures showed that window and door frames were a popular target, with thieves cutting them down for scrap metal.
"Hotplates, hot water systems, wall ovens, timber, landscaping material and bricks are other common items stolen from building sites," she said.
"This is another initiative by our Government to make our communities safer and more secure at all times."
The State Government has contributed $5,000 through the Office of Crime Prevention to the Site Secure campaign, which will see the installation of 'Site Secure' signs on building sites around the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area.
The signs will display the phone number of the Kalgoorlie Police Station and urge anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour to call immediately.
The Master Builders' Association will then reward witnesses, up to a value of $1,000 for information leading to a conviction.
Three local security companies have agreed to monitor building sites as part of their regular patrols.
"I will be interested to see the results of the project in Kalgoorlie as this is an innovative and proactive campaign which brings parties together to deal with a significant problem that impacts on the whole community," Mrs Roberts said.
The Minister extended her congratulations to everyone involved and encouraged local residents to give the project their full support.
The phone number for reports of suspicious activity at building sites in the Kalgoorlie area is 9021 9777.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
