OPPORTUNISTIC thieves stole the hot water systems from townhouses under construction in Banksia Street, Kiama earlier this week.
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Sometime between 4pm Monday and 1.30pm Tuesday ten Rheem 24 litre/pm gas instantaneous systems were stolen from the exterior walls of the townhouses. They were mounted and connected to water and gas fitting and were removed without damaging any property.
They are valued at $950 each.
Lake Illawarra Local Area Command acting sergeant Mark Scott said the theft followed other similar incidents in the area over the past six months where gas hot water systems have been stolen from homes currently under construction and near completion.
He said 16-18 units were stolen over one weekend in Blackbutt three-four months ago. He said there was another similar offence in the same suburb more recently.
Acting sergeant Scott said the thieves were specifically targeting dwellings under construction and near completion.
‘‘After the thefts in Blackbutt there was no information whatsoever,’’ he said. ‘‘They just disappeared from here, whether they have then been offloaded somewhere else is unknown.
Acting sergeant Scott said because the thefts occurred under the cover of darkness and the premises are unoccupied there have been no known witnesses.
Anyone who may have seen something or knows anything that may assist police in their inquiries is encouraged to contact Acting sergeant Scott at the Oak Flats Police Station on 42325599, the Police Assistance Line on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.