Materials theft from construction sites can increase the overall cost of a project and the time it takes to complete. Common materials stolen include equipment, metal, batteries, and even the construction trailers. There are a number of ways to avoid experiencing the type of materials theft illustrated in the following stories.
A construction site in Michigan became a victim of materials theft. Thieves stole a trailer that stored several construction tools. Michigan State Police estimate that the materials theft occurred between 11:30 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.
The FOX 17 news article said that construction thieves also took batteries from an excavator and bulldozer. Michigan State Police reported that in addition to the equipment, thieves stole building materials.
This construction site is not a ECAM client.
A project manager of a national building company said his East Coast Division lost $100,000 – $200,000 annually due to materials theft. He added that it’s not uncommon to lose the entire lumber load or stored appliances.
5 Ways to Reduce Materials Theft
1) Install a Security Fence Around the Construction Site
A fence is one of the most common security solutions for construction sites. It acts as a visual and physical deterrent for criminal activity. A fence can also limit where potential thieves can enter.
2) Keep Construction Sites Well Lit
Construction site thieves do not want to be seen. Additional flood lights or motion-activated lights can be a cost-effective solution to deter criminal activity. Additional lighting can be placed near entrances and where equipment and materials are stored.
3) Add GPS Trackers on Large Equipment
If thieves successfully gain access to your construction site, they may steal your equipment to resell. Construction companies can install GPS trackers on larger equipment such as mowers, tractors, and fork lifts. The local police can use this information to track the stolen equipment. We recently published an article addressing the most popular equipment stolen on a construction site.
4) Just-In-Time Delivery
Arrange for materials to arrive only when needed. The longer materials sit on your site, the more opportunity thieves will have to steal them. If materials must be ordered in advance, make sure they are securely locked away or stored off-site.
5) Install a Video Surveillance System
Trained video monitors can watch a construction site after contractors leave for the night. On-site surveillance cameras, human intelligence, and video analytics can be used to protect your construction site from materials theft and vandalism.
No site is completely safe. Take the steps you need to help deter materials theft at your construction site.
ECAM is the leader in remote video surveillance in Canada and the U.S, with over 400 employees, 11 offices, and 3 live video monitoring control centers. ECAM’s proactive video monitoring watches over 17,000 IP and CCTV security cameras. Our security solutions feature advanced technology and can detect and deter crime while reducing security guard and other expenses. Our remote monitoring service can reduce or even replace security guards at a fraction of the cost. A remote surveillance operator can see suspicious activity, activate a speaker warning, and call the local police.
Please call toll-free (855) STEALTH or contact us today for more information to protect your outdoor assets. Visit the Stealth website to see real arrest videos at construction sites, multifamily apartments, shopping centers, office buildings, warehouses, auto dealerships, and other commercial real estate properties.
