Thieves target Wellington construction sites and work vehicles

Thieves in Wellington are targeting construction sites and work vehicles. Photo / iStock

Wellington tradies are being warned to lock up their tools and equipment following a number of thieves targeting construction sites and work vehicles.

Police said there were 96 reported cases of vehicles broken into since April 1 this year.

Most of the vehicles were utes, 4x4 and small to medium sized vans.

More than half of these thefts were reported in the Hutt Valley area, a third in Wellington City and the rest in the Kapiti and Mana area.

There were also 47 reported cases of burglary where mainly tools were stolen from homes and commercial building sites between May 1 and July 15 this year, police said.

Police urged builders, project managers and contractors to be vigilant and take steps to reduce the opportunity for thieves to target construction sites.

Wellington District prevention manager inspector Scott Cooper said security around sites was essential.

"Our advice to any company with valuable tools and equipment is to make sure they are not left in unattended vehicles that aren't kept in secure premises overnight and at weekends."

Fencing acts as a deterrent but good locks are important too, Cooper said.

Keys should be removed and vehicles should be locked, he said.

"The recording of serial numbers and photographs of tools would also assist police in conducting inquires and the recovery of the stolen property."

Cooper said police were actively patrolling and working with the community around the areas.

Anyone should report suspicious behaviour to the police or call 111 immediately.

"The sooner we know about it, the better chance we have of catching the offenders and preventing further crimes."

Anyone with information related to burglaries in the Wellington region can contact police on 04 381 2000, or alternatively provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.