Baldivis Mp Reece Whitby, Universal Construction worker Connor Hill with manager Matt Carr and Michael Bunn of Spectur.
Camera IconBaldivis Mp Reece Whitby, Universal Construction worker Connor Hill with manager Matt Carr and Michael Bunn of Spectur. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Copper wire, fuel stolen from primary school construction site

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

THIEVES have disrupted work on the new Baldivis North Primary School after stripping copper wire worth more than $10,000 from two buildings at the site.

During the last few weeks thieves have entered the site from several points by ram raiding fencing.

Construction vehicles were drained of diesel fuel and thousands of dollars worth of copper wire was stripped from buildings.

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Universal Construction Manager Matt Carr said it had forced the company to up its security measures.

“We have had five break-ins on the weekends and they have come in mainly from Key Avenue,” he said.

“It cost $10,000 for the electrician to re-wire which includes supply and labour. It’s a cost we have had to wear.

“We have had security guards on and they have scared off a four-wheel drive just over the weekend.

“We have also installed cameras.

“The school is an asset for the community we are asking them to help be eyes and ears around the site.”

The new cameras are monitored by a live stream run by security firm Spectur.

They use cloud technology and light up, sound an alarm and speak when they detect movement.

Michael Bunn from Spectur said several would be installed at the site.

“We have found that spoken warnings are more effective and when they are activated people disappear pretty quickly,” he said.

“There is a motion activated floodlight on it and within seconds there is a live-feed. The idea is to catch people at the time.”

Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby was disappointed and urged the community to be aware.

“It’s a bit of a shame but someone is taking advantage,” he said.

“With the new security measures though anyone silly enough to come on site now risks getting caught.

“If anyone sees anything please report it to police.”