Thieves target everything from expensive machinery such as bobcats and bulldozers, to pricey power tools, to valuable metals and wires (which are more expensive than ever) to sell at scrap yards. The reality is, construction sites involuntarily become a target of crime as soon as ground is broken.
Power Tools
Large Machinery
Wires and Metals
Even a seemingly small theft can leave a lasting impact. For example:
- In Massachusetts, thieves broke into a storage container on a solar farm under construction, stealing $150,000 of copper wire. In addition to the theft, the site was severely damaged.
- Police in Arkansas reported more than $1,000 in lumber stolen from a construction site, delaying a roofing project.
- And, in West Virginia, a man was charged with driving an excavator off of a construction staging area. The piece of equipment was valued at $40,000.
Securing Your Site – Made Simple
While an intelligent video monitoring system powered by artificial intelligence and virtual security guards actively monitoring your property is the best option for securing construction sites, there are simple steps you can take to strengthen defenses – and keep materials and equipment safe.
Pro-Vigil Founder Jeremy White shares three impactful security tips that you might not have thought of:
#1. Implement Fencing with a Purpose
Fencing around construction sites serves a dual purpose. It’s a safety feature keeping the general public out of a potentially dangerous area, and it’s also the first line of defense against theft.
Some construction managers place storage containers up against fencing, which seems to make sense from a space perspective – but it also introduces security risk. Since thieves often try to cut their way through fencing to gain access to construction sites, if storage containers are touching the fence, thieves can cut through those too, doing double the damage.
And, because the containers block your view of the fence behind it, you many never realize an entry point has been created – leaving the door open for more crime incidents.
#2. Unplug Batteries
Most heavy construction equipment – loaders, excavators, bobcats, etc. – are operated using a master key. So, if thieves get their hands on the master key, they have access to just about every piece of machinery on your property. While you can’t change the key that runs your equipment, you can put measures in place to slow down criminals, even if they do have the master key in-hand.
#3. Light up the Site
It’s no secret that thieves love darkness – they do their best work under the cover of night! Lighting is a great natural deterrent that can make criminals uncomfortable. While you may already know this, it’s important to consider the fact that security lighting isn’t limited to floodlights.
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For more information on building a strong physical security strategy, check out our “Construction Site Security Checklist.” To learn how Pro-Vigil can help you achieve proactive deterrence at your construction sites, please contact us today.
