Theft from Construction/Building Sites

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FIN/26/004614/C

Version Date: 22/05/2026

The Performance Analysis Department has provided the following information:

Searches were completed within Niche for crimes with the main crime group of Theft and where the location subtype is ‘Builders merchant’ or ‘Timber yard’, which are the only pre-available listed items, or where the occurrence summary contains the keywords ‘construction site’, ‘building site’ or ‘demolition site’.

Please note that the year is when the offence was reported.

I would like to request data held by the force relating to recorded theft offences from construction/building sites and from builders' merchants (including timber merchants), for the period 1st of January 2020 to 31st of December 2025 (inclusive).

Definitions
Construction/building sites should be interpreted broadly to include active construction sites, building sites, demolition sites, infrastructure projects, redevelopment sites, and other similar locations where construction, demolition, civil engineering, or related works are being undertaken.

Builders' merchants should be interpreted broadly to include builders' merchants, timber merchants, roofing suppliers, aggregate and building material suppliers, landscaping and fencing suppliers, and other similar trade suppliers primarily engaged in the sale, storage, or distribution of construction-related materials, products, or equipment.

Below is the specific information I would like to request:

Construction/Building Sites:
The number of recorded theft offences involving items taken from construction/building sites.

2020 – 6

2021 – 9

2022 – 7

2023 – 11

2024 – 17

2025 - 5

A breakdown of the type of items or materials stolen (e.g., tools, bricks, wood/timber, etc.) from construction/building sites where recorded.

Please note that the property field is not a mandatory field. Data has been provided only where these details have been recorded.

The number of any charges and/or arrests made in connection with thefts at construction/building sites.

1 arrest (2024).

Nil return for charges.

Builders' Merchants:

The number of recorded thefts involving items taken from builders' merchant sites. This can also include timber merchants.

2020 - 9

2021 - 9

2022 - 13

2023 - 11

2024 - 21

2025 - 17

A breakdown of the type of items or materials stolen (e.g. tools, bricks, wood/timber, etc.) from builders' merchants where recorded.

Please note that the property field is not a mandatory field. Data has been provided only where these details have been recorded.

The number of charges and/or arrests made in connection with thefts from builders' merchants.

6 arrests (2 x 2022, 4x 2024).

6 charges (2x 2022, 2x 2023, 2x 2024).

 
Please provide the data as a yearly breakdown.