Senior Constable Terry Walsh with Karen Abbasi and Damian Reeve from Electsales.
Martin Kennealey        www.communitypix.com.au d449721
Camera IconSenior Constable Terry Walsh with Karen Abbasi and Damian Reeve from Electsales. Martin Kennealey        www.communitypix.com.au d449721 Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey        www.communitypix.com.au d449721

Crackdown on building thefts

Mark DonaldsonJoondalup Times

They have joined forces with a state electrical appliance wholesaler, which provides products to local builders, in the hope of quickly identifying stolen goods.

Theft from incomplete homes continues to worsen, according to local community engagement officer Terry Welsh.

Police have formed a database with Electsales, based in Osborne Park, to cross-check serial numbers of goods they seize.

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If the numbers match, they will know they have stolen items on their hands.

Sen Const Welsh said they chose Electsales because of its dominance of the business’ products in the new home market.

Goods commonly stolen include whitegoods and cooking appliances.

“We have seen a steady rise in the theft of whitegoods in the northern corridor with the massive explosion of homes under construction,” he said.

“This particular partnership allows police officers to call direct and request information about the ownership of the items and respond accordingly, giving the police officer real-time information and if need be make an arrest.”

Police are also working with construction company ABN Group, the Homebuyers Centre and GBI Distribution.

“The partnerships provide a direct line of communication between WA police and major stakeholders within the construction industry,” Sen Const Welsh said.

“By working in partnership we are able to look at current trends and place initiatives early to help reduce the crime rate within that particular area.”