The ongoing problem of construction tool thefts is continuing to rise as new figures have shown that almost €8m worth of equipment was stolen last year.
According to new figures published by the Gardai a total of €7.8m of items was stolen across Ireland over the past 12 months.
Figures published this week show that overall construction thefts has risen by 35%, whilst the number of tool thefts from vehicles has risen by 43%.
In what has become a growing trend not only in Ireland but across Europe, criminals are deliberately targeting construction sites in order to obtain valuable equipment which is then later sold for a fraction of the original cost.
Following the publication of recent figures, construction worker groups have urged all tradesmen to make sure their tools are kept in a secure place whilst they are off site.