Christchurch police are again vigilant after a spate of commercial vehicle thefts in recent weeks.
Police say at least five high-value vehicles have been stolen since mid-August – and it is likely they are being sold back into the rebuild construction market.
Detective senior sergeant Corrie Parnell says the current spate began overnight on Monday August 12 when offenders broke into Supersealing Ltd on Francella Street, Bromley, and stole a Mitsubishi Canter truck with a crane on the back, along with a water blaster, trailer and walk-behind roller. The machinery has a combined value of around $80,000.
“The offenders have made a determined effort to target the vehicles, breaking through two sets of padlocks and secure fencing,” says Parnell.
The truck has since been recovered, on Wednesday evening – on the corner of Hills Road and Walters Road, minus the equipment which had been on the back when stolen.
On the night of Friday August 23, the Port Hills Truck Centre on Brightlings Road, Hillsborough, was broken into, and an Isuzu truck belonging to AGL Scaffolding and Rigging stolen.
It is believed a chain on the gate had been cut through to provide access for the offenders. The truck is valued at $20,000.
The same weekend, burglars broke into the premises of Cableprice NZ in Waterloo Road, Hornby, making off with a $45,000 Hitachi excavator and trailer. The excavator is described as being a distinctive orange colour.
Detective senior sergeant Parnell says in this case the premises were secured and offenders cut through a heavy chain to gain access.
Earlier this week a building site in Logistics Drive, Harewood, was broken into some time on Tuesday night ( August 27-28) and a 2006 Isuzu truck, valued at $150,000, stolen from the property.
The offenders also made off with a large number of tools and items of small machinery from the site. Investigators hope to be able to review CCTV camera footage from the area around this site.
In the latest incident, a forklift was taken overnight last night from an address in Hayton Road, Wigram, after offenders broke through a fence.
“This spate of thefts is of real concern,” Parnell says. “But unlike the recent police operations targeting car chop shops, we don’t believe these vehicles are destined for being dismantled and scrapped for parts.
“Given the high demand for heavy contracting machinery in Christchurch at present, we believe it’s highly likely vehicles such as these are being quickly re-painted and re-fitted – or re-birthed and moved back into the local market.
“We are stepping up our surveillance of any unusual activity involving commercial vehicles and will come down hard on any individuals or companies involved in any illegal activities,” Parnell adds.
“It’s almost certain there are people in the construction and contracting industry that know what is going on – and we urge them to come forward.
“Our warning to those people involved in the trade is that if you buy stolen goods you’re perpetuating the illicit trade and putting yourselves and others at risk – you’re just as likely to have your own equipment ripped off,” Parnell explains.
Police are asking members of the public to report any suspicious activity involving commercial vehicles and machinery.
“It’s unusual to see heavy vehicles driving around in the middle of the night – even in Christchurch. We urge people to contact police immediately on 111 if they see any suspicious activity – especially around construction sites and contracting premises.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 363 7712 – alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
