A SPATE of thefts of tradies’ tools is frustrating detectives. A nail gun and a Makita drill were stolen from a Nissan Navara parked in the driveway of a Wallum Rd, Edithvale, property, overnight Thursday 12 October. They are valued at $3000.
Two drills valued at $300 and three batteries valued at $550 were stolen from a Toyota Hilux parked outside a property on Gladesville Boulevard, Patterson Lakes, overnight Sunday 15 October.
The owner said he went outside next day and saw his workbox open and beer bottles strewn around the ute. His toolbox had been cut open and the lid was up. Attempts had been made to open a second toolbox.
Up to 10 tradies’ lock-up steel toolboxes were broken into at the St Kilda Football Club construction site, Linton St, Moorabbin, overnight Friday 13 October. Thieves cut through a chain at the gate and steel fencing to get onto the work site and then used a stolen oxy-acetylene welder to cut open the boxes containing a range of work tools.
The value and scope of the haul are still being assessed. Tools from one of the workboxes were engraved with the initials “G.O.”. Detectives urge anyone offered the tools to call them, 9556 6111.
A Scotch Parade resident in Chelsea was the victim of an opportunistic theft when moving items from his car into his garage, 6pm, Monday 9 October.
Thieves stole a Milwaukie battery pack and six batteries, charger, hand tools and a pair of Tommy sunglasses, all up valued at $2500.
“These tradies contribute to society and it is a shame when they are ripped off,” Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Cashman, of Moorabbin police, said.
“Anyone offered these tools should call police in 9556 6111.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 18 October 2017