WATERBURY — One person’s disaster apparently is another person’s opportunity.
State officials say three people employed by a bevy of contractors working at the flood-damaged state office complex have been dismissed from work on the site after evidence or concerns about theft.
Tom Sandretto, deputy commissioner of buildings and general services, said state officials have stepped up security at the complex, which has been mostly vacant since Tropical Storm Irene’s floodwaters hit on Aug. 28.
One person was found to have been “hoarding copper,” another was discovered walking through undamaged sections of the complex and a third was found “stowing” a tool kit behind the tires of a vehicle, he said.
Sandretto said he is not aware of any charges pending.
He also said that he has no evidence that a major tool theft of Buildings Department equipment occurred at the complex. While he has heard that story himself, “that’s a rumor that cannot be substantiated,” he said Thursday.
“I cannot tell you that there are any widespread missing items,” he said.
According to Sandretto, the state has set up strict security at the vacant complex while most of the state’s 1,586 employees are no longer working there. The security force has seven people and includes two sheriff’s deputies, and the complex is patrolled 24/7, he said.
Around 200 contracted employees have been working to clean out the complex and restore basic infrastructure, he said.
