How to Prevent Construction Site Theft

Theft can be a major problem at any workplace. However, since construction sites consist of no physical offices and are out in the open, they are at a bigger risk for theft.

According to the National Equipment Register (NER), the construction industry loses around $1 billion each year in job site theft – this number increases by 10% every year. Less than 20% of the equipment stolen is recovered, meaning they have to be replaced. The cost to replace a stolen item or piece of equipment is more expensive than the actual item. You not only have to pay for the new item but have to report the theft to your insurance company, raise your insurance premium, and send an employee out to get the item you want.

Most of the time, site owners and managers neglect the security measure needed. They may ignore setting up security for nights and weekends, use master keys that can access multiple areas, have improper inventory systems, and have inadequate site security overall.

In this article, we will focus on enhancing the security at your construction site and making it a more secure space for you and your workers.

Why Are Construction Sites A Target For Thieves?

When it comes to it, thieves will choose the easy job over the hard one – construction sites are easy targets for thieves. This is because of weak security efforts and the fact that construction sites are relatively open areas. Even if you believe your site to be well-protected, modern thieves are always coming up with new ways to conduct robberies.

What Are The Most Common Forms of Construction Site Theft?

The most common forms of theft at construction sites include:

1. Large Appliances and Equipment – Although common, this type of construction theft depends on your site’s location and the type of construction being done. For example, if you are building a house in a suburban area, it would be relatively easier to steal equipment from there (as the area is more spacious and there is less security in general) than in an urban area at a height.
2. Copper and Other Metals – Currently, copper costs $4.50 per pound – it is extremely valuable in construction. Many thieves steal these metals and sell them off for a profit.
3. Handheld Tools – At construction sites, small tools often go missing because they are easy to steal. Since most handheld tools (such as hammers and screwdrivers) are available in large quantities at sites, it can also be hard to notice when a few go missing.
4. Lumber and Wood – Wood has become increasingly expensive, so it becomes a target for thieves at construction sites.

What Can You Do To Prevent Construction Site Theft?

Here are some rules and ideas that you can have implemented at your construction site to prevent theft:

1. Install Video Surveillance – Video surveillance ensures that the entire site is being monitored. They provide the convenience of being able to check in on your construction site remotely. It can help you identify the people who steal from your site and discourage thieves as they will have a higher chance of getting caught.
2. Cut Fuel Supply in Vehicles – To prevent thieves from driving off with vehicles (such as forklifts, tractors, and bulldozers), you can install a fuel pump kill switch. This will prevent them from driving off with your vehicle in your absence.
3. Put Equipment Away – After your crew is done with work for the day, ensure that they put away all the tools and equipment they used. Leaving items out in the open makes it easier for thieves to steal them as they do not have to rummage around for them. You can purchase a mobile storage unit for such equipment to keep it locked up.
4. Get Background Checks For Your Employees – Before hiring someone, it is best to get a fair idea of who they are. Performing background checks can make you aware if an individual has been involved in any crimes or is associated with anyone known to have committed crimes. It is best not to hire those who have a messy background – always go with your gut!
5. Put Up A Fence – Although basic, many construction site owners and managers tend to ignore putting up fences; this is because construction sites are temporary, and they will eventually have to uninstall the fence. However, fences provide an additional level of security. It is recommended that they be tall and made of sturdy material.
6. Hire a Security Guard/Force – Hiring a security guard or force can be especially helpful on weekends, holidays, and nights. They will be able to monitor the site even when you are not there and report any suspicious activity to you. Guards can also be deployed during the day to keep an eye on workers and take note of any of their suspicious behaviors.
7. Invest in a Security System – Security systems differ from video surveillance systems. Security systems come in the form of alarms that need to be installed – they will alert you whenever anyone enters your site while it is activated. Some systems are also equipped with the tool of calling the police if they are set off. Security systems, however, have to be activated every day; if you forget, you do not reap the benefits of the system. They also do not let you view what is happening on your site.
8. Keep a Record of What You Purchase – As mentioned above, missing handheld tools can be hard to notice as they are present in larger quantities at construction sites. When you purchase such tools, keep a count of how many you purchased and then have a stock count every week. However, it is important to understand that not all missing tools have been stolen – some may have been broken or lost; you should encourage employees to report such incidents immediately, so the suspicion of theft is avoided. 

Bottom Line

All these ideas can greatly benefit your construction site; they help avoid theft and potential losses within your work. A good idea would be to work with a security expert to help you set up a secure site with minimal risks.