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A tunnel used to steal 10 bronze water pump impellers - Source: NZ Police
Thieves dug a tunnel under concrete to steal tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment from the Hamilton City Council's water treatment plant.
City Deployment Manager, Inspector Karen Henrikson, said thieves cut through a neighbouring fence and dug a tunnel under concrete to get passed an electrified security fence as they broke into the plant to steal 10 bronze water pump impellers.
"I'm not going to go into other security arrangements in place at the plant other than to say they were more than adequate. This appears to have been a professional burglary that was well planned," Henrikson said.
Two of the larger impellers, which were valued at $60-80,000, were taken while three medium and five smaller devices were missing as well as the castings.
Henrikson said the water pump impellers were very distinctive and were only used in the specific pumps operated by the Hamilton City Council.
"To that end we're not ruling out the items may have been stolen for scrap metal value so we are liaising with scrap metal dealers not only in Hamilton but across the country.
"The heaviest items taken weigh between 100-200kg and would have considerable scrap metal value."
While the theft of such specialised equipment was a disappointment, Hamilton City Council general manager works and services, Chris Allen, said the loss had not affected their ability to deliver high quality water to the city.
"We're very disappointed with this theft and will be reviewing the plant security arrangements to see if we can make some improvements," he said.
Henrikson said police wanted to hear from anyone with any information on those responsible for the theft or who had been approached about buying or moving on large quantities of bronze equipment or material.
People with information were asked to contact the Hamilton Police Station on 07 858 6200 or they could leave information anonymously on the CrimeStoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.
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