Construction of a new sporting facility in North Chigwell has been disrupted after thieves stole a “large quantity” of electrical cable from the site overnight.
The cable was taken from the Allunga Road site sometime between Thursday evening and Friday morning, police said.
It is described as 25mm mains electrical cable and a separate earth wire, which police say would have taken “significant effort” to remove and transport.
Inspector Jason Klug said police are reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation.
“It’s disappointing that thieves have targeted a community facility for local families and sporting organisations,” he said.
“Police have also since been advised of two previous stealings at the site that were not previously reported to police.”
Andrew Wilkie, the Independent Federal Member for Clark, said the thefts are costing the construction company “thousands of dollars”.
“This will be a great community asset that will bring joy to a lot of people, but sadly these incidents are upsetting for the community and delaying their access to a sorely needed recreation facility,” he said.
“They’re also a cost that the building industry can’t afford if it’s to survive and continue to employ people.”
