Operation Romulus: police action building up to combat site thefts

JOONDALUP Detectives are investigating building site thefts through Operation Romulus and appealing for information from the public.

Detective First Class Constable Dani Stafford said the proactive operation targeted burglaries at homes being built in Alkimos, Butler, Clarkson, Eglinton, Jindalee, Two Rocks and Yanchep.

“It is an operation aimed to collate intelligence and work in conjunction with external agencies and the community,” she said.

MORE: Police appeal for information about building site thefts

Const Stafford said it aimed to use crime prevention strategies in developing residential areas.

She said items often stolen from building sites included rangehoods, stovetops and airconditioning units, or building materials such as tiles, cement and sand.

Thieves also took tradespeople and contractors’ tools and equipment, as well as water meters and copper or brass piping.

She said people could help by reporting suspicious activity around building sites.

“Suspicious behaviour includes people on sites after hours, suspicious vehicles in the area and unauthorised people entering onto work sites or offices,” she said.

“Report any vehicles or people seen inside display homes or inside a home under construction after hours.”

Const Stafford said people building homes should check their properties regularly, report anything that was amiss and ensure it was secured properly.

“Report any unsecured appliances or valuables being left on worksites,” she said.

“Report any suspicious items for sale on websites such as Gumtree and Facebook.

“Look out for items that are still in the packaging or still have the stickers attached.

“If you are purchasing items such as construction material, tools or appliances online, ensure to ask questions and verify the origin of what you are buying.”

While police do recover some stolen property, much was not recovered and the operation investigates where those items are going.

Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report suspicious activity by calling 131 444.