Construction season is in full swing in Lincoln and according to police someone decided to cash in by stealing from a construction business and two sites recently. The target in all of the cases is a familiar one for LPD.

"Tools are a popular item to steal, they can be turned over and sold on the street or taken to pawn shops, or even taken out of state and sold, which we see from time to time," said Officer Matt Tangen.

The first theft happened Home Solutions at 1802 W. O Street. Someone cut a cable that secured tools and ladders to a trailer outside of the business the first weekend in August. The same business was hit last May. Both times the loss was more than $3,800.

2 padlocks were cut at a site at 3156 King Ridge Boulevard last weekend. Two saws were stolen totaling $300.

Also last weekend someone cut the lock on a trailer at 8830 Blacksmith Court. Several tools were taken valued at $1,900.

Lincoln police aren't sure if the crimes are related or a coincidence, regardless they are a concern. But there are some things that you can do to protect your business.

"We always like to say the best thing to do is reduce opportunity to prevent the crime from happening," said Tangen.

Police say the first step is to lock up everything. In these cases someone cut the lock, but it still helps.
If you can, it's best to take the tools with you, even the trailer.
Police say you should never leave anything out in the open.
And it's a good idea to record the serial numbers on tools, or to mark or engrave them in some way.

As for these cases, they need your help. If you saw anything or know anything about the thefts call Crimestoppers at 475-3600.