By Jennifer Kent
HUNDREDS of thousands of dollars worth of construction equipment, including a five-tonne excavator and high end technical devices, have been stolen from construction sites in a spate of thefts across the Hinterland over the past few days.
Professional thieves, possibly wearing high-vis clothing and driving utes and vans, have targeted sites including the Nambour to Beerburrum rail upgrade as well as the Bells Creek construction near Aura.
Senior Sergeant Brendan Davies of Beerwah Police Station said police were aware of a number of construction sites targeted over the weekend and during this week and that investigations were underway.
Two sites were broken into on Monday night, including one where property had been moved, and one site had been revisited over the weekend, with multiple items taken, including large grade machinery.
“We’re investigating multiple break and enters and are following up different lines of investigations,” Snr Sgt Davies said.
“The most typical theft we see on construction sites is that of copper wire as well as portable equipment, however these recent break and enters have seen larger machinery and equipment being taken from site.
“It isn’t common to see higher grade heavy machinery targeted and we are following all lines of investigation.”
BMS Earthmoving posted an image of a five-tonne excavator which was stolen late on November 8 or in the early hours of the ninth. A truck was also stolen.
With an increase in construction across the region, local patrols have been increased with sites a priority for police visits, however Snr Sgt Davies urges the public to report any suspicious activity witnessed in and around construction sites.
Sources said that some subcontractors had been told they could not work for some days due to the loss of machinery and equipment.
A spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads told GC&M News that it was working with affected contractors.
“We understand the subcontractors who had their equipment stolen have been assisting Queensland Police Service (QPS) with their investigations. These subcontractors were back on site working today,” The spokesman said.
“The site on Steve Irwin Way has remained open and operational. The project team has worked hard to minimise the impact of the loss.
“Our contractor and subcontractors will continue to work closely with QPS.”
Police released a statement saying that further thefts occurred at Bli Bli, with electric cable and batteries stolen on November 2.
On November 4 street light cabling was stolen from a Cooroy site at Connection Road.
On November 7 street light cabling was stolen from a construction site in Eumundi and Eerwah Vale.
A source said that stolen high end GPS equipment was shipped overseas where it could be used without fear of being tracked.
The offenders may appear to be legitimate workers, wearing high visibility clothing and driving utilities, vans, or trucks, police said.
The number for CrimeStoppers is 1800 333 000 or you can file a report at crimestoppersqld.com.au/make-a-report.
Have you been affected? Contact Jen at editorial@news.com.au
