It’s no secret that construction sites are filled with valuable items. Much money can be found on a worksite, from tools and materials to heavy equipment. It will be a massive loss for the company and the workers if these items get stolen or damaged.
Theft is a significant problem in the construction industry. In fact, it’s estimated that $1 billion worth of tools and equipment are stolen from construction sites each year. That’s a lot of money that could be used to improve and finish construction projects. According to a study by National Insurance Crime Bureau and the National Equipment Register, less than 25% of stolen construction materials are recovered.
That’s why it’s essential to take precautions to protect those items. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to protect your supplies and deter thieves.
Install Security Cameras
One of the best ways to protect your construction site is to install security cameras. This will deter thieves from attempting to steal items from your site and help you catch them if they do. Security footage can identify perpetrators and get your stolen items back.
A study from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte involves 422 burglars. It was discovered that installing CCTV systems is the most successful deterrent to criminals. When 60% of the robbers learned that a building or location had security cameras, they would abandon the area immediately, and 50% said that seeing surveillance cameras would deter them from attacking.
There are some factors to consider before choosing the right CCTV for your property:
- Purpose of CCTV: Are you using them for security or surveillance purposes?
- Location of CCTV: You need to consider the placement of your cameras to benefit from them most.
- Resolution: The quality of your images is crucial, especially if you need to use them as evidence.
- Storage: You’ll need to decide how you want to store your footage.
Invest in High-quality Locks
This will make it more difficult for thieves to break into your storage units and steal your supplies. There are various types of locks available, so you’ll need to choose the ones that best meet your needs.
Some of the most popular types of locks include:
- Padlocks are the most common type of locks used on construction sites. They’re easy to use and can be opened with a key or combination.
- Deadbolts are more secure than padlocks because they’re harder to pick. They can also be opened with a key or combination.
- Chain locks are another option for securing your supplies. They’re often used with other types of locks, such as padlocks.
- Disc locks are similar to padlocks but have a disc-shaped body instead of a cylindrical one. They’re more challenging to pick than padlocks and can be opened with a key or combination.
Keep an Inventory of Your Supplies
This will help you track what you have on-site and make it easier to notice when something is missing. You should do this before enlisting or instructing your hired personnel to begin work on any key tasks to maintain control over risks and potential problems with the project. But make sure you understand the system that will be used so you may also double-check it for transparency.
Beginning with their 2000 models, equipment manufacturers have used a worldwide 17-digit product identification number (PIN) system. Have this number inscribed or beaded on two separate areas of your equipment, one visible and the other hidden. You can also use a simple spreadsheet to track your inventory or special software designed for construction companies.
Consider Using Security Guards
Construction sites are teeming with valuables, and the success of every project is based on these supplies. Hiring security guards may be a substantial financial investment, but it is worth it in the long run. They can provide an extra layer of protection and deter thieves from trying to steal your supplies.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing security guards:
- Select guards who have experience working in the construction industry.
- Ensure the guards have the necessary training to protect your site.
- Hire a licensed, insured, and bonded security service company.
Theft Prevention Policy
Enforce this policy so that everyone on your construction site knows the consequences of stealing. This will help to deter thieves and also make it easier to prosecute them if they are caught. Include in your policy the illegal borrowing of construction materials for personal projects.
It’s also a good idea to post signs around your construction site that state your theft prevention policy. This will make it clear to everyone that stealing is not tolerated and that there are consequences for doing so. Work with your local authorities, so they know your policy and can help enforce it.
To Sum Up
Theft is a serious concern in the construction sector, and there are ways to prevent it. Make sure you have everything planned out with trusted individuals in your company. Taking these measures will guarantee that your building project proceeds on schedule without issue.
