Thieves strike Parklands building sites

Thieves have been stealing from the Parklands building sites.

The home building sites of the Parklands Estate near Tamatea have become a magnet for thieves over the past six weeks with thousands of dollars of fittings, building materials and tools being stolen.

"There have been five separate incidents reported since late October," Tamatea community constable Mike Burne said.

"It's been a real spike."

Thieves had been targeting partially built houses across the estate and in one incident an entire ranch slider door, fittings and two windows in frames were removed.

"That would have been a two-man job to handle them and they would have needed a large trailer or small truck," Mr Burne said.

In another strike, bathroom wall vanities were taken. Thieves had also targeted builder's tools.

Power and hand tools had been reported stolen, along with a water blaster, a drop saw, building netting, glue, nails and screws and tiling trowels.

"They have been striking at night and one of the sites was targeted twice."

He said where practicable builders and tradesmen should remove tools and work gear off site at night. Mr Burne said similar spikes occurred when Parklands had begun being developed a few years ago.

"And when Knightsbridge was under way we got this as well."

He said people in the area needed to be vigilant and look out for night-time movement through the building areas.

"A trailer leaving Parkland in the middle of the night with building material on it - that shouldn't be happening.

"We need to hear from people if they see anything which does not look right."

Mr Burne said police also wanted to hear from anyone who may have been offered any new building items or tools.

Calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.