Construction professionals are well-versed in the myriad ways that determined thieves, trespassers, and other unauthorized persons gain access to jobsites. While climbing construction site fences, sliding through barriers, and cutting fences open to get past this first layer of security are common, perhaps simply rolling under the fence is a more unique approach.
In this Arrest of the Month video, remote video monitoring effectively caught this sneaky attempt to go undetected while trespassing on a Washington construction site.
While observing a Seattle-Tacoma area construction site overnight, remote video monitoring specialists spotted something unusual: a person rolling themselves under the perimeter fencing. Onsite audible warnings were immediately activated and local police contacted with a description of the individual, as well as their last known location on the site. Responding officers arrived quickly and located the trespasser, apprehending them before any damages or theft occurred.
Trespassing Under Construction Site Fence and Theft Plagues Washington State
The open nature of construction sites, combined with desirable and expensive equipment and materials, makes them prime targets for criminals. Construction site theft and trespassing have become significant concerns in the Seattle-Tacoma area, leading to substantial financial losses and project delays.
In recent incidents, thieves have employed stolen construction machinery to execute their crimes. For instance, in January 2025, suspects used a stolen forklift to attempt an ATM burglary in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. They managed to break into the building and detach the ATM but fled empty-handed upon police arrival. The forklift was reported stolen from a nearby construction site.
Similarly, in November 2024, thieves in Puyallup used a stolen excavator to remove an entire ATM. Witnesses observed the suspects destroying the structure housing the ATM and loading it into a pickup truck using the stolen machinery. The equipment in this case had also been taken from a nearby construction site.
These incidents, among others, highlight a troubling trend where construction equipment is repurposed for criminal endeavors, making the challenges faced by the construction industry even more frustrating. The financial impact on construction businesses is crippling. The National Equipment Register estimates annual losses between $300 million and $1 billion due to equipment theft, with a less than 25% recovery rate.
Despite these efforts, the prevalence of construction site theft and trespassing in the Seattle-Tacoma area underscores the need for enhanced security measures. Construction companies are encouraged to invest in comprehensive security measures, including surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and on-site security personnel, to safeguard valuable assets and deter criminal activities.
Proactive Remote Monitoring: Preventing Construction Theft and Trespassing with Early Detection and Fast Response
Construction sites face more than just persistent security threats from costly theft and vandalism- they also deal with potential legal liabilities when trespassers suffer injuries. Protecting your job sites requires more than just deterrence, it requires a proactive approach that can detect threats early and enable fast intervention.
Traditional security cameras may provide valuable footage, but they often fall short in preventing determined intruders from bypassing or disguising their actions. Fortunately, real-time remote video monitoring combines advanced technology with human expertise to actively detect and respond to suspicious activity before it escalates into a major loss.
Our remote video monitoring security solution is designed to help reduce false alarms and ensure law enforcement receives accurate, real-time intelligence for faster, more effective responses. Our approach integrates:
Strategic Smart Camera Placement – High-resolution cameras cover key areas to ensure comprehensive visibility across your site.
Live Human Monitoring – Trained security professionals watch your site 24/7, verifying real threats and minimizing false alarms.
Immediate Incident Response – When unauthorized activity is detected, our monitoring specialists assess the situation and provide real-time updates to local law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of an immediate response.
With this proactive strategy, construction companies can avoid costly losses, project delays, and liability concerns while strengthening site security.
Want to see how remote monitoring can safeguard your job sites? Contact us now and book your free demo with one of our construction security specialists. Let’s work together to protect your assets and keep your projects on track.
