Large quantity of tools believed to have been stolen from Gungahlin worksites between August and October have been seized by police during two raids in Canberra’s north.
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Police used search warrants to raid two homes in Forde and Crace in November, uncovering carpentry tools, toolboxes, drills and a generator.
The tools were believed to have been stolen during a series of 43 thefts in Gungahlin. One-hundred suspected steroid tablets were also seized from the house in Forde.
The seizures were the result of an intelligence-led investigation by Gungahlin Patrol, in conjunction with AFP Forensics, ACT Policing Intelligence and Criminal Investigation detectives.
Two men from Young have been charged in connection with the raids.
A 20-year-old man is expected to be summonsed to face the ACT Magistrates Court charged with theft, where police will alleged he stole tools from over 100 vehicles and trailers over the past six months.
A 19-year-old man is also expected to be summonsed, to face charges relating to receiving stolen property.
ACT Policing and the Master Builders Association have urged builders to secure construction sites and ensure tools are locked up when unattended.
Master Builders ACT Executive Director John Miller said diligence in securing tools and equipment is important to help prevent theft.
“I would remind the industry to double check their sites, particularly those in more remote locations, before vacating for the holiday season,” Mr Miller said.
“It doesn’t always require an expensive technology or alternative security option to protect tools and equipment.”
Officer-in-Charge of Gungahlin Station Sergeant Jeff Knight said the outcome of this investigation demonstrates how important it is to report theft to police.
“It was due to members of the public reporting the thefts to police and Crime Stoppers reports which enabled police to track the increase in thefts in the Gungahlin area,” he said.
