Home builders’ association sounds alarm on lumber theft spike in Saskatoon

Contractors and home builders in Saskatoon are being asked to keep a close eye on spare lumber amid a spike in petty thefts of building supplies.

The Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA) sent an email to all of its professional members Thursday warning that “significant thefts are occurring on job sites.”

The association’s CEO, Chris Guerette, said she never imagined lumber being such a hot commodity as a high demand during the pandemic has created a supply chain shortage, which in turn has skyrocketed prices.

“It’s not uncommon that we get comments during the construction season of theft on site,” Guerette said. “I think it’s certainly a first for me that we’re hearing about lumber being stolen.”

Guerette said this is the last thing builders need with uncertainty surrounding the industry.

“It’s certainly a challenge right now to get the construction material in a timely way. The last thing a builder would need is to have a delay based on theft,” Guerette said.

Recent thefts have happened in Kensington, Aspen Ridge and Brighton, according to the SRHBA.

Guerette is hoping contractors can be vigilant in keeping one another informed about suspicious activity, install cameras on the job site, lock up spare lumber in enclosed trailers or even hire security.

“This is just indicative that there is a supply chain challenge right now when it comes to construction materials,” she said.

Saskatoon police are further recommending using motion sensor lights in areas where materials are left overnight.

Extra patrols are being added in areas near job sites, but builders and contractors are still asked to take extra precautions.