Camillus (WSYR-TV) - It's not just the weather home builders need to worry about this summer. Another problem plaguing building sites are thefts. We're putting you On the Lookout, because police say contractors are the ones getting hammered.
In Camillus, new homes are going up and thieves are moving in. They're pilfering valuable construction tools at sites throughout the suburban community and costing construction crews valuable time and money.
"As of recently, in the last six weeks or so, we've seen a large spike of construction larcenies," said Detective James Nightingale.
The northern part of the Camillus has been hit the hardest, but thieves have been swiping expensive equipment at new home construction sites throughout Onondaga County. Camillus Police have been visiting sites and asking crews to take precautions.
"If they can't take it home or with them, at least use their backhoes to go up against the doors, so they can't break into doors and take the equipment, or we tell them, if you can, take it home with them," Nightingale said.
Residents near construction sites in Onondaga County should take extra precautions and secure their doors. An open garage can be an open invitation to a thief to steal residents' belongings.
"You don't see a lot of stuff going into pawn shops, but we have a substantial reward, a cash reward being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of anyone involved in doing the tool larcenies," Nightingale said.
Anyone who thinks they have the information police need may be able to collect a substantial reward by calling (315) 487-0102. Tips can also be left at
online.
