Thieves take hot option

By Bridget Brady
HOUSES under construction in Casey are a hot option for thieves.
Hot water systems were stolen from seven houses in one Cranbourne street last month, prompting police to ask residents to be on the look-out.
But Constable Amy Perrin said it was not an easy task to identify thieves because it was often the case that few residents lived in the streets where houses were being built.
“And keeping an eye for suspicious behaviour is hard because the people stealing them can look the same as the workmen,” Const Perrin said.
Burglars stole seven Rheem gas booster systems, valued at $1400 each, from houses being built in Islington Avenue in Cranbourne North between 17 July and 24 July. Const Perrin said only one house was occupied in the street, so there were no witnesses to the crime. Theft from houses under construction was a big problem in Casey, Const Perrin said, with smashed windows and stolen floor tiles, sinks and water meters among the most reported crimes.
“It’s happening Casey-wide. It’s just such a growth area with lots of new houses and it means further delays for people affected,” Const Perrin said.
She said police could step up their patrols in these areas to assist catching thieves. Anyone with information about the seven stolen hot water systems should call Const Perrin at the Cranbourne Police Station on 5991 0600.