Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A spike in thefts at construction sites has Mt. Juliet Police on alert after $55,000 in theft has been reported so far in 2016, and they are urging the community to report any suspicious activity at areas under construction. Thieves are targeting appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines, but contractor tools have also been stolen. Theft is occurring after hours, when the majority of construction crews are not working.
On January 13, 2016 a refrigerator, stove, 6 aluminum doors, utility trailer, and tools were reported stolen from new construction at Glass Creek Apartments, located at 401 Old Pleasant Grove Road, totaling around $14,000.00.
Today, February 26, 2016, 11 stoves, 6 washing machines, 4 dryers, and 4 refrigerators were reported stolen from new construction at Lifestyle Communities, located at 2050 Providence Parkway, totaling around $12,000.00. A contractor working at the same site, also reported many specialty tools stolen, totaling around $29,000.00.
Stove Stolen at Lifestyle Communities
Washer & Dryer Stolen at Lifestyle Communities
Investigators believe the theft is occurring after hours, when the majoring of construction crews are gone or leaving the property for the night. It is highly likely that the theft is being committed by persons who are or have been working at the sites. So, the thieves may appear as contractors and driving similar vehicles commonly associated with construction sites. There was no forced entry to the units where appliances were stolen.
Lifestyle Communities
The community is urged to immediately report suspicious or abnormal after-hour activity at construction sites, especially if it appears that appliances are being removed or leaving the areas under construction. Normal construction hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Anyone with any information regarding construction site theft encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/ .
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