Contractors and others in the building trade should be on alert following a recent spate of thefts of plant and equipment from construction sites. That is the message from police in the H District which includes Ballymena, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Moyle and Larne.

Concerned by the thefts, Constable Dean McAuley, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Crime Prevention Officer for the Ballymena and Larne areas, has urged contractors to look again at site security.

He said: "Theft's of plant and equipment is preventable and I would urge contractors to put sufficient crime prevention measures in place to thwart those involved in this type of crime.

-- Advertisement --

"Site access is an important issue and I would ask contractors to look at how they manage pedestrian and vehicular access. Ideally all "visitors" should have to report to a pre-determined point close to the entrance, to be logged in and out, and staff should also be encouraged to challenge any strangers found within the site boundary particularly if they are carrying equipment."

Constable McAuley also advised that as most thefts from building sites occur at the weekends or during the hours of darkness, criminals will "make use of poor security to slip about unnoticed at starting times, lunch breaks and quitting time".

A good site layout is essential to prevent thefts and if possible avoid having cement mixers, larger items of plant, storage containers and other tools sitting close to the entrance.

"I would also suggest that builders contact any residents living near their site and make them aware of what normal hours of work will be, and the types of vehicles that are to be expected."

Anyone who has any information regarding thefts from building sites or the disposal of stolen goods in the Ballymena and Larne areas is asked to contact their local police. The telephone number is: 0845 600 8000, or contact the Crimestoppers line anonymously, on: 0800 555 111.

(JM)