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By Counties Manukau South Police
Police are urging developers, builders, and business owners to take extra precautions around commercial and new build sites, as metal thefts continue to drive burglaries across parts of South Auckland.
As the value of precious metals surges, construction materials such as copper wiring,
electrical cabling, plumbing, aluminium, and specialist tools are increasingly being targeted
by offenders. Sites that are partially completed, unattended overnight, or poorly secured are particularly vulnerable. These burglaries not only result in significant financial loss but can also cause project delays, insurance complications, and serious safety risks.
Consider these crime prevention measures:
Secure your site
Ensure temporary and permanent fencing is sturdy, intact, and fitted with secure access
points. Damaged fencing or unsecured gates provide easy opportunities for offenders. Where possible, use lockable site gates rather than chains or basic padlocks.
Limit opportunity
Store metals, tools, and equipment out of sight and in locked containers. Avoid leaving
copper cabling, piping, or machinery exposed, particularly near site boundaries. Consider
just–in–time deliveries to minimise the amount of valuable material stored onsite.
Improve visibility
Well–lit sites are a strong deterrent. Motion–activated lighting around entrances, storage areas, and fencing can significantly reduce risk.
Install temporary CCTV systems
Temporary or mobile CCTV units are an effective option for construction and new–build
sites. These systems can be quickly installed and repositioned as a site develops, and often
include live monitoring, motion detection, and remote access. Clearly visible cameras and
signage assist police investigations and can also actively prevent offending by increasing the perceived risk for offenders.
Mark and track
