Theft from a Construction Site Safety Talk

Construction sites are common targets for theft and vandalism, costing companies large sums of money every year even when preventive measures are in place. Construction theft is often a crime of opportunity, so companies must reduce the opportunities for theft if they hope to reduce the effects of this crime.

TYPES OF THEFT

According to a study conducted by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services at the U.S. Department of Justice, the most common types of theft from a construction site include the theft of lumber and other building supplies, tools, large construction equipment and appliances. Of these categories, only the theft of construction equipment requires substantial planning and organization on the part of thieves. The other categories can all be described as opportunistic crimes.

PREVENT THEFT ON CONSTRUCTION SITE

1. Install Fencing or Strong Walls: When you install this physical boundary, look into having only one entry point, if possible.
2. Use Good Lighting Around the Site: When your construction site lacks proper lighting, it allows thieves to enter, steal equipment, and leave, without being noticed. To prevent construction site theft, it’s essential to ensure that every corner of your site has good lighting.
3. Put Up Signs: Putting up “No Trespassing” signs around your site can also prevent non-authorized personnel from entering the premises.
4. Use Strong Padlocks Made for Construction: Invest in strong, high-quality locks to prevent unauthorized entrance and burglary. Choose shrouded steel padlocks. These can help to block bolt cutter access to the shackle.
5. Regularly Check Your Site: It’s important to inspect your site consistently for any potential entry points and address them as soon as possible before construction site theft occurs.

Strategically Install a Camera Surveillance System: You should install your security cameras in such a way that they give you a clear picture of your entire construction site. For example, placing a surveillance camera on top of a crane will give you a birds-eye view of everything that is going on at the site.

Having visible cameras around your construction site will discourage intruders, who don’t want to get caught. If, however, they decide to take their chances and make off with some valuables, having a camera surveillance system will give you proper footage to take to authorities, which will improve your chances of catching the culprits.

In addition to preventing construction site theft, camera surveillance can also help you monitor your entire team.

Install an Alarm System: A strong alarm system is invaluable to prevent construction site theft. Modern alarm systems are wireless and mobile, meaning they are relatively easy to install at critical points of your site and can be relocated when necessary.

Monitor Job Site Access and Maintain a Consistent Presence: When most people think of construction site theft, they tend to assume that outsiders are the only threat. Team members can also be involved.

Maintain a Consistent Presence as a Manager

Construction site theft is often a crime of opportunity.

It’s essential to be regularly present on your site. When you have meetings, bring up some of your observations to your team. This lets your team know that you are watching them.

Security guards can play an essential role in helping you achieve this.

Monitor the Job Site’s Access

It’s crucial, to implement a controlled entry and exit system. This can include having employees swipe cards or tags every time they access the premises.

Implementing this system will help you control both labor and other construction site visitors.

BEST PRACTICES REVIEWED TO PREVENT THEFT

• Put in physical barriers around your construction site
• Invest in surveillance systems
• Restrict access
• Install anti-theft devices
• Secure your heavy and most valuable equipment
• Strategically plan your deliveries
• Lock materials and equipment in sheds
• Tag and track on your equipment
• Secure the perimeter around the site with fence and barbed wire.
• Do not leave tools or valuables near fence lines.
• Have laydown areas that equipment is parked in overnight with a simple camera system focused on that area of the work site.
• Lock valuables up in a secure building or Conex container.
• Do not leave valuables where they can be seen through a window.
• Do not let people outside the company know what valuables onsite.
• Keep detailed records and pictures of all tools and equipment.

FINAL WORD

There are many steps we can all take to ensure valuables, tools, materials, and equipment are not stolen. While much of the theft is done by individuals who break into a site after hours, it also occurs in house by employees. It is important to speak up if you think someone is stealing from the company.