Press Releases

Construction Theft
January 24, 2009

Tough economic times has crooks getting desperate – and taking advantage of the growing number of vacant homes left abandoned in mid-construction or empty through bank repossessions.

Crooks caught on camera – at the hands of neighborhood residents ready to partner with law enforcement to stop the rising rates of construction crime theft. Each month, builders are being hit for thousands in thefts – a crime police say residents can help combat.

“We want to interrupt criminal activity – and ask the community to be our eyes and ears to stop construction site theft," said Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott.

Over the last few weeks, construction sites have been hit especially hard – with air conditioning units becoming popular targets for thieves anxious to make a quick buck.

“They’ll come by during the day, cut the lines, get everything prepared… come back that night and take it out. It only takes minutes," said Corporal Joel Bennett of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives say some of these thefts are taking place at the hands of people working, or familiar with, the construction industry. But the problem continues to escalate – with organized crime involved on some levels.

The problem with construction site theft is that it’s a crime without boundaries. Suspects are often stealing materials from one community – then taking them to an entire different county – where there’s less likelihood they’ll get caught.

Law enforcement is teaming up with the building industry to help stop construction site thefts, and asking residents to keep their eyes open for anything suspicious.

“Stuff’s supposed to be coming in – not leaving. If they see stuff coming off a jobsite, then there’s a problem and they need to call it in," Bennett said.

Sheriff Scott encourages residents to simply be good neighbors – and rely on the old instinct that it something looks suspicious, it probably is.

“If the public will take stock in their community, in their neighborhoods, that’s a huge help to us," he said.

To report suspicious activity on construction sites, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.