Those companies building homes often run on fine margins as they meet the rising costs of building materials, fittings and labour.

So it must be incredibly frustrating for all when appliances and building materials worth many thousands of dollars go missing in thefts from sites on both sides of the Border.

It’s not simply small amounts of relatively inexpensive materials that are taken.

Instead, the thieves are highly organised, taking off with large household appliances and fittings, many still in their boxes and yet to be installed.

Often those responsible have selected carefully and targeted those houses where they know certain goods will have been delivered.

The loss of these appliances and fittings, and damage caused, is a cost borne by all; the tradespeople, the building company and the customers.

Even under cover of darkness and in lightly populated areas, these thieves and their vehicles will be caught in the act at some stage and then it’s time for the police to be called in.