How to Reduce Construction Site Theft
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” – Benjamin Franklin
Failing to plan for construction theft and crime leaves you vulnerable to loss in terms of missing materials or equipment.
In this article, we want to share with you the best practices to reduce theft or deter crime on construction sites, because the last thing a project needs are more hiccups and delays that can affect the totality of the project.
When developing a crime mitigation plan, it is key to do a thorough threat assessment for any and all given projects, as it can help determine what type solutions are necessary. Having a plan to combat construction site theft can provide your projects with many essential benefits, such as enhanced safety, higher confidence, and increased profits.
What thieves want
One of the first assessments you should take into account is “what do construction thieves look for or want?”.
While everything on a construction site can be considered at risk and essential, let’s focus on things that thieves will commonly take.
- Lumber
Lumber has always been a commonly targeted item on construction projects. Unfortunately, with lumber prices experiencing a roller coaster swing in price in 2021, only made lumber theft more popular and frequent.
- Copper Wire and Metals
Metal prices have increased throughout the year of 2021 due to many economic factors as well, causing an uptick in copper and metal theft.
- Tools
Tools are expensive as they are usually built to last a lifetime. While highly valuable and useful, it tends to be left out in the open where any bypassing pedestrian can easily swipe it.
- Large Equipment
While stealing tractors and bulldozers seem unlikely, it does happen. In some cases, thieves will use onsite large equipment to steal large bulks of material.
- Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converter thefts are now more active than ever thanks to the increasing price in metals and demand for precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Thieves now look at vehicles left overnight at construction projects as an opportunity.
What can you do?
The next step is to identify what you could do differently to reduce your vulnerability to criminal activities, such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Designs (CPTED).
It is a concept originally developed for multifamily housing, but has lots of great practical information that is also applicable on a construction property such as…
Natural Surveillance
Natural Access Control
Territorial Reinforcement
And Activity Support and Maintenance
If CPTED is new to you, check out this community resource where we covered what CPTED is and how you can apply it: https://sentriforce.com/news/crime-prevention-through-environmental-design-for-construction-projects/
By implementing several of these measures, you can create a desired layered plan which can reduce your risks on your job site and effectively manage how your project is being secured and managed.
What we can do
At SentriForce, we understand how troubling construction site theft and crime can be. Thankfully from years of experience, we know what it takes to minimize construction site crime. We offer next generation video surveillance services that can secure your site, utilizing advanced industry-grade technology with accurate intrusion detection and live video monitoring facility with professional trained personnel to engage alarms with suspects, and if necessary, dispatch local authorities.
With the advancement of technology, we are revolutionizing the security industry by providing a budget friendly and cost-effect all-in-one video surveillance solution for risk mitigation and asset protection.
For more information on ‘How to Reduce Construction Site Theft’ or managed video surveillance and how it can benefit your construction project, contact us today.
