It's a tragedy to see tradies who are already suffering lose the tools of their trade.
- Supt Evan Quarmby
Wollongong tradies are being urged to properly secure their utes and tools, with police investigating a spate of recent thefts, particularly in the district's northern suburbs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Police believe thieves are targeting ungaraged utes as they provide an easy source of high-quality tools.
Wollongong Police District Commander Evan Quarmby said many thefts from cars occured at night, with Woonona, Bellambi and Corrimal the suburbs most affected. The most recent crimes had hit particularly hard, given the workforce had been forcibly sidelined for almost two weeks under stricter public health measures.
"We know tradies are doing it tough at the moment, they're being restricted from working, but unfortunately they're leaving their vehicles outside and a lot of valuable equipment is going missing from tradies' utes and from inside their vehicles," Supt Quarmby said on Tuesday.
"Most of the offences are occurring in the evening, in the dark, but yes, I believe there's a connection with the fact that tradies are at home, they're leaving vehicles out the front of their homes for longer periods of time, unattended.
"We're investigating numerous offences that have occurred particularly in our northern suburbs and we're putting extra effort into investigating those matters.
"But we definitely need to get the message out there for people to secure their vehicles and their tools. It's a tragedy to see tradies who are already suffering lose the tools of their trade."
"Tradies' tools are very high quality usually and if they're lost in significant numbers, it can be a severe financial impact to people who are already struggling.
"We're suggesting and certainly encouraging that tradies make sure they don't become a victim of criminals who are given an easy opportunity."
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide any information that may assist local police with their investigations.
Do you have a story or news tip to share? Email us on cos@illawarramercury.com.au
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Angela Thompson
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
