The New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB) has urged builders to consult with insurers after a spike in thefts on building sites.
According to Newshub, tradies across the country are becoming more concerned about thefts within the industry and the police have also noticed an increase in tool thefts and have found that stolen gear is often being used to buy drugs.
“Every week if we’re doing a search warrant we’ll find [stolen] tools at the address,” Aron McKeown, sergeant at Waitemata, told Newshub.
“They’ve got high value when you talk about resale value to second-hand dealers, or even trading them for drugs.”
He is urging tradies to get their tools engraved at special events with driver’s license numbers so they can easily return them.
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NZCB commented that the spike in thefts at building sites is a nationwide issue.
Grant Florence, chief executive at NZCB, advised builders to be more careful in storing their tools and to consult with insurers to better handle the issue.
“Simple things like that.. Get good advice from insurance partners and just keep wary,” Florence said.
