Tools valued at almost $1 million have been stolen from tradesmen’s work vehicles and building sites in Wyndham in the past three years.
Figures from Victoria Police reveal tools to the value of more than $990,000 were stolen from tradies working or living in Wyndham between October, 2012, and September, 2015, with $512,367 of tools stolen in the 12 months to last September 30.
In a police raid at Hoppers Crossing last December, two men were arrested and building equipment and tools estimated to cost more than $80,000 were seized.
Among items recovered were a stolen front-end loader, a caravan, portable office, seven trailers, tools and other items.
Across the west, tools valued at $1.08 million were stolen in Brimbank over the same three-year period, while Melton was hit to the tune of $795,996, Hobsons Bay by $404,130 and Maribyrnong by $321,554.
Police across the west will speak to tradies and their employers about the best ways to keep their tools and equipment nailed down as part of Operation Tool Safe, now under way.
Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie said tools stolen from work vehicles and building sites accounted for a large number of thefts in the west.
“Tools are very easily on-sold so they’re very attractive to thieves,” Senior Sergeant Guthrie said.
“The inconvenience for an individual when the tools to their trade are stolen is horrible. It can have a real flow-on effect into the rest of their lives.”
He called on tradies to park work vehicles in locked garages where possible and lock external toolboxes so they cannot be removed.
