Over €7.8m worth of items stolen from construction sites in 2017
Approximately €7.8 million worth of items were stolen from construction sites around the country last year, including tools worth €6.3 million.
An Garda Síochána and The Construction Industry Federation have launched the Secure It, Keep It campaign to promote crime prevention in the construction industry.
Construction crime can involve thefts from vehicles, burglary, unauthorised taking of vehicles, criminal damage and trespassing. Construction crime has risen by 35% throughout the country, with theft from vehicles making up 43% of crimes.
“The main objective of the Secure It, Keep It campaign is to create and maintain awareness both within the industry and with the general public as to the importance of site security, and the security of plant machinery, construction equipment, tools and materials,” said Chief Superintendent Con Cadogan.
It is very sensible to mark your tools in some way. Recently, Gardaí seized power tools from a car boot sale in the West Cork that had been stolen in Dublin. The tools had the owners name engraved on them and they have since been returned.
“With the construction industry in recovery mode with over 50,000 additional workers in the industry since 2014, it’s vital that we are smart about protecting our tools,” said Tom Parlon, Head of the Construction Industry Federation.
The Gardaí are very active in monitoring online marketplaces as well as car boot sales etc. for the sale of stolen goods. However, it is vital that a sound insurance policy is in place to recoup your losses should the worst happen. Contact us to discuss insurance for your business.
Source: The Irish Examiner, 19th June 2018
