5 Methods to Secure a Construction Site
Construction site theft costs commercial projects an estimated $1 billion every year, and that only includes stolen equipment. The same study finds that less than 25% of assets stolen from a construction site are ever recovered. With theft being a constant concern for contractors, the industry has had to adapt and deploy more security measures to deter theft, and help recover stolen assets at open job sites.
Why are Construction Sites Targeted?
For the most part, construction sites are open to the public’s eye. Posted notices are only so effective when high-value items are often within arm’s reach, and even heavier equipment is susceptible to theft given the criminal has enough time to extract it. Material stock like copper piping and wiring can be easily sold to scrap dealers for a quick profit, while thieves maintain full anonymity.
Another factor causing an uptick in construction site theft is the increasing number of delays and work stoppages leading to sites laying dormant for longer periods of time. Stolen material can go unnoticed for weeks, or even months, making the likelihood of recovering it nearly impossible.
5 Methods to Secure a Construction Site.
Surveillance
When creating a more secure job site, surveillance cameras are a given. But the security cameras of today offer a lot more than just monitoring or recording of Jobsite activity. With built-in technology like Axis Communications Cross Line Detection , you can be alerted the moment someone accesses your site when they aren’t supposed to.
Custom Jobsite security systems can be installed by select integrators for the entire length of the project. Consider choosing an integrator with experiense securing outdoor sites, and has a positive track record in the area that construction is being performed. If you’re in the Southeastern New England area, OMNI Technology Services can address all your needs.
Locks & Fencing
Fences have been used to secure property since the 1800’s, and since they are still used today, it’s pretty clear they are an effective deterrent. Locks should be a coss-site application to secure gates, vehicles, trailers and storage areas. While locks and fences certainly aren’t inpenatrable, they serve as both a visual deterrent, and a means to abte thefts in progress.
Lighting
Another obvious deterrent. Construction sites are typically vast dark spaces with lots of structures. Shedding some light on your project can help prohibit the ability for a criminal to remain unseen while they’re busy loading up your property
Equipment Registration
Almost every item in your building site has a serial number or some form of identifying feature that should be registered. Registration of your equipment can help deter criminals from reselling your stolen merchandise. From excavators to nail guns, proper registration and cataloging keeps your property where you left it.
Limit Access Points
Ideally, having a single point of entry is a great way to limit potential thieves from entering the site without clearance. Due to the size and complexity of most construction job sites, this may be difficult to achieve. Try to reduce entry / exit points to only those that are necessary, and deploy some of the previously mentioned deterrents like locks and cameras to strengthen these essential areas.
