$1.2 million in tools and building materials stolen from Ballarat in one year
Thieves stole $1.2 million worth of tools and building materials across Ballarat in 2025-26, with Wendouree losing $194,522.
Ballarat is facing a building site theft crisis, with criminals targeting tools and materials worth more than $1.2 million over 12 months to June, despite crime rates falling elsewhere in Victoria. Wendouree suffered the worst losses, with $194,522 stolen including $105,620 in timber and building materials alone.
Nine other suburbs rounded out the top ten, each losing tens of thousands of dollars. Among the targets were century-old heritage items destined for a Soldiers Hill renovation: irreplaceable doors and leadlight panels were stolen but later recovered by police.
Thieves also stole power tools worth thousands of dollars and copper piping twice from a laundromat in just weeks before it opened. Overall, theft from building sites and materials climbed 36 per cent, making it the second most common crime type in the area after stealing from motor vehicles.
- $1.2 million
- Total stolen
- $194,522
- Wendouree loss
- $105,620
- Timber and materials in Wendouree
- 36 percent
- Theft increase
Why it mattersTheft delays projects, forces builders to replace stock, and drives up costs that flow into house prices and construction budgets.
AustraliaBallarat construction slows and costs rise as builders factor in theft risk. Homeowners and businesses face higher quotes and project delays across regional Victoria.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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