News
A devastating theft has left Southland carpentry students thousands of dollars out of pocket and jeopardised their end-of-year project. The tools, essential for their training, were stolen from the workshop at Invercargill’s Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). Related: Police Seek Information Following Safe Theft
The students discovered the theft on Monday when they arrived on campus to find their sheds broken into and their gear ransacked. Leigh Buchanan, one of the affected students, described the scene: “There were tools everywhere. They’d used our crowbar and angle grinder to pry the doors open. It was just chaos.”
Among the stolen items were Makita power tools, including circular saws, reciprocating saws, and other expensive equipment. The theft has significantly impacted the students' ability to complete their project, a house build, which is a key part of their coursework.
“It’s our last week, and everything’s been taken,” Buchanan said. “We’re trying to get the roof done, but without the tools, everything is slowed down. We’re sharing the few tools we have left, and it’s mostly hand tools, which takes ages and isn’t as accurate.”
The students are midway through the course, having completed the house’s frame and skeleton. However, critical tasks like installing the roof iron and weatherboards remain unfinished, with limited time to meet their deadlines.
SIT is working to replace the students’ personal tools, but the process to replace shared course tools, such as saws and batteries, is expected to take longer. The theft has hit particularly hard as the students had invested heavily in their gear as part of the course costs, with each personal toolset valued at over $1,000.
Buchanan expressed frustration and disappointment, calling on the thieves to return the stolen items. “What were you thinking? It’s the end of the year, and you’ve stolen from students who are trying to make careers for themselves. It’s a real kick in the teeth.”
The theft has not only impacted the current class but also another group of students who are finishing their course and heading into apprenticeships without the tools they need to start their careers.
Despite the setback, the students are determined to push forward, but they’re calling for support to recover their stolen gear and ensure their projects can be completed on time.