Further warnings after tools stolen from Mosgiel sites

More than $16,000 worth of tools have been stolen from new-building sites in Mosgiel since the start of the month prompting police to again remind tradies to secure their property.

Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin said there had been at least three burglaries since the start of the month where tools were taken from unsecured building sites in Gladstone Road South, Owhiro Ave and Glengarry Court.

Sheets of plywood were removed and building paper was cut to gain access to two of the sites, Snr Sgt Dinnissen said.

It was not known at this stage if all three thefts were linked but the Criminal Investigation Branch were investigating, he said.

There had also been multiple burglaries in the area in the past month.

All together the tools were worth about $16,500 and included power drills, paint sprayers, belt-sanders and heat-guns.

Some of the tools were marked with stickers or permanent markers which were easily removed.

"We really implore people to start engraving their tools as we discuss each and every tradies breakfast we attend because that's a better deterrent and way of identifying the tools when we execute a search warrant.''

As there was already an existing issue with tools being stolen from vehicles and storage sheds people should consider using cameras and other security measures such as etchings and anti-theft technology, Snr Sgt Dinnissen said.

People living next to building sites should also report any suspicious activity particularly as the nights got longer during the winter and builders finished work earlier, he said.

"That's the last thing you want is your build has been delayed because all of the builders tools have been stolen.''