Construction sites have always faced risks associated with trespassing and materials theft, but in a post-pandemic world, construction thefts and trespassing have risen in a “rampant” pace, according to one Washington developer interviewed by KIRO 7 News Seattle. In this Arrest of the Month video, the ease with which trespassers bypass traditional security measures is clearly visible:
ECAM security operators observing a Washington construction site spotted an individual trespassing before laying down on a pile of wood planks located on the southern part of the site. Onsite alarms were activated, and local police were contacted due to the nature of the activity observed. Officers responded onsite just after the subject entered a port-o-john with a high-vis jacket in hand and hid. Officers safely took the suspect into custody without further incident.
When reporters at KIRO 7 News spoke with Scott Walker, the VP of home developer Rush Residential, he mentioned that his company’s development site in Puyallup had seen between 30 and 40 incidents of theft and trespassing in the past year alone, including situations where suspects simply kicked in doors to enter empty buildings, causing damages, budget issues, and project delays.
According to Pierce County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Sgt. Darren Moss, theft is one of the key issues affecting the county.
“I was seeing this every morning, seeing construction theft, people stealing gas from construction vehicles,” he explained, regarding his experience after being promoted to sergeant in 2018. With construction materials costs still high and rising, thieves are aware of the increase in value of stolen materials, and target items like tools, wiring, drywall, lumber, and appliances they then sell on sites like Facebook Marketplace.
Efforts to combat these types of thefts include the implementation of advanced security measures. Options like wireless camera surveillance systems, which can run on batteries or solar panels, and modern alarm systems are recommended. These technologies not only help deter theft through visibility but also provide evidence that can aid in catching culprits. Additionally, maintaining a consistent presence on the site and monitoring job site access can help reduce theft, even from insiders. The implementation of anti-theft devices, securing heavy equipment, and scheduling supply deliveries as needed are also strategies that can help to mitigate the risk of theft.
Remote video monitoring, like Stealth’s construction site monitoring solutions, has emerged as a game-changer for improving construction site security. It can enable real-time monitoring of sites, quick responses to trespassing incidents, and helps to prevent theft and vandalism. These systems offer the added benefit of potentially preventing injuries or fatalities of trespassers unaware of the hazards, saving companies from legal and financial repercussions. Implementing comprehensive, layered security strategies that include physical barriers, advanced surveillance, and security personnel is crucial for safeguarding construction sites.
Proactive Construction Site Security: Help Stop Theft and Delays
Stealth’s remote video monitoring solution is a proactive security system that uses cutting-edge video analytics-based cameras and real people to watch your site 24/7.
Catch Suspects in the Act: The cameras can spot suspicious activity, and security personnel can then sound alarms and when needed, call the police.
Help Deter Criminals: Just having this system in place can scare away thieves and trespassers from even trying.
See Your Whole Site: We also offer camera layouts that can give you a complete view of your construction project from above- check out how one of our Washington-based clients utilizes bird’s eye views here: Construction Company Exxel Pacific, Inc. Benefits from the Utility of Overhead Time-Lapse Cameras
If you’re interested in learning more about how this system can help your business, you can contact us today for a free consultation or quote.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
