An alarmed storage container was enough to deter thieves from making off with a Nanaimo contractor’s tools.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, the attempted theft happened at a construction site on Kaz Court, at about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, but when police arrived the only thing missing was the lock to the storage container. All tools were accounted for.
The container was rigged with an audible alarm, which police credit with preventing the theft.
The owner of the storage container, Chris Mitchell, a local building contractor, experienced first-hand the impact thieves can have on his livelihood, Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said in a press release.
In 2012, Mitchell's tools were stored in a similar container that wasn't secured. When he arrived at work one morning, the container was emptied of $10,000 in tools, which effectively put his 10 employees out of work until the tools could be replaced.
Mitchell purchased an alarm for his container and also installed an infra-red camera. When the door opens, the camera snaps a picture and sends a text to his phone with the photo attached.
The Nanaimo RCMP encourages all building contractors to consider installing similar devices. The cost of purchasing and installing this equipment is significantly less than replacing new tools, according to O'Brien.