Australian Companies Using GPS Tracking Devices to Catch Timber Thieves
13 Oct 2015
GPS used to catch a thief
Construction company in Australia attempts to track down thieves with the use of GPS tracking technology.
Police in Adelaide, Australia recently revealed that they have been informed of several construction companies around the area that are taking the law in their own hands. These companies are tired of having appliances and timber stolen from job sites to be sold to private parties. So they wanted to do something about it.
They are doing so by using GPS tracking devices in loads of timber, in the hopes that when the timber is stolen, they can track down the thieves and get justice.
Some of these companies believe the thefts might be coming from some of their own builders, who are paying people to steal certain items from the building sites. They then sell them to other parties in order to make a profit. Since builders have knowledge of the construction sites, what is available, and how to gain access, police believe the construction companies have an insider that is orchestrating the entire thing.
Police have also caught some of the thieves, but not the builders who hired them. So they know they are on the right track.
This is what led them to track down the thieves, as they haven’t been able to catch them in another way. This comes after 56 different reports of theft on various construction sites. It is occurring mainly in homes or rental properties that are not finished, but already have some appliances and plumbing. Thieves are stealing items like plumbing fixtures such as sinks and toilets, air conditioning, hot water systems, and copper piping.
According to local police departments, the thefts are costing construction companies tens of thousands of dollars. There was one case where a home’s entry doors were stolen, which were of high-quality and cost $3,000 to replace. This indicates that more than one person is involved, since it is a hefty job carrying these types of doors.
The companies have tried using other security measures, but it isn’t helping reduce the thefts. This include lighting systems, motion sensors, and security cameras. It is obvious that someone with great knowledge of these sites is involved.
GPS tracking devices are now implanted into piles of timber, in hopes that a thief will carry off the lumber along with whatever fixtures or appliances they stole. If so, the tracker will trigger an alert and the company owner as well as the police can track them down.
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