FOI 0079-2026/27- Thefts from construction/building sites

Request:

I would like to request data held by the force relating to recorded theft offences from construction/building sites and from builders' merchants (including timber merchants), for the period 1st of January 2020 to 31st of December 2025 (inclusive).

Definitions

Construction/building sites should be interpreted broadly to include active construction sites, building sites, demolition sites, infrastructure projects, redevelopment sites, and other similar locations where construction, demolition, civil engineering, or related works are being undertaken.

Builders' merchants should be interpreted broadly to include builders' merchants, timber merchants, roofing suppliers, aggregate and building material suppliers, landscaping and fencing suppliers, and other similar trade suppliers primarily engaged in the sale, storage, or distribution of construction-related materials, products, or equipment.

Below is the specific information I would like to request:

Construction/Building Sites:

Q1. The number of recorded theft offences involving items taken from construction/building sites

Q2. A breakdown of the type of items or materials stolen (e.g., tools, bricks, wood/timber, etc.) from construction/building sites where recorded.

Q3. The number of any charges and/or arrests made in connection with thefts at construction/building sites.

Builders' Merchants:

Q4. The number of recorded thefts involving items taken from builders' merchant sites. This can also include timber merchants.

Q5. A breakdown of the type of items or materials stolen (e.g. tools, bricks, wood/timber, etc.) from builders' merchants where recorded.

Q6. The number of charges and/or arrests made in connection with thefts from builders' merchants.

Response:

Extent and Result of Searches to Locate Information

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within North Yorkshire Police.

I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by North Yorkshire Police. 

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the following information to you.

Q1, Q2, Q4 & Q5. Please see the table below showing the distinct count of theft crimes (that have stolen property linked to them) recorded between 01 January 2020 and 31 December 2025 where the MO location is ‘building site’ or ‘builders merchants’ broken down by property type stolen.

Q3 & Q6. Of those above, please see the table below showing those with a charged/summonsed outcome.

Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data.  It should be noted therefore that this force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.