Construction site materials theft can cause a variety of difficulties for contractors, site owners and managers. Stolen materials can increase the overall project cost and completion time. Some of the most commonly stolen items include construction equipment, tools, batteries, copper wire, and even the construction trailers.
In a Michigan materials theft incident, construction site thieves stole a trailer storing several construction tools. Local authorities estimated the materials theft occurred between 11:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Thieves also reportedly stole batteries from a bulldozer and excavator, as well as other building materials.
In another case, a project manager said the East Coast Division of his national building company lost $100,000 – $200,000 annually due to materials theft. He added that it’s not uncommon to be robbed of an entire lumber load or stored appliances.
These construction sites are not Stealth clients clients.
5 Ways to Reduce or Deter Materials Theft
1) Install a Fence
Fences are one of the most common security solutions for construction sites, industrial properties, and other types of commercial properties. It can serve as a visual and physical deterrent for thieves and trespassers. A fence can also prevent unauthorized entry.
2) Install or Maintain Consistent Lighting
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. Lighting can be placed near entrances, as well as equipment and materials storage spaces.
3) Add GPS Trackers on Large Equipment
If thieves successfully gain access to your construction site, they may steal your equipment for the purpose of reselling it. Construction companies can install GPS trackers on larger equipment such as mowers, tractors, and fork lifts. The local police can use the trackers to find 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 monitoring operators can watch a construction site after workers leave for the night or over weekends and holidays. On-site surveillance cameras, human intelligence, and video analytics can be used to help protect construction sites from theft, vandalism, and other unwanted activities. Having cameras on your construction site also provides the benefits of recording site activities 24/7 and gives access to camera feeds to project stakeholders, which can act as powerful project management and risk mitigation tools.
No site is completely safe. Taking the steps you need to help deter theft at your construction site can help ensure projects are completed on-time and under budget.
ECAM is the leader in remote video surveillance in Canada and the U.S, with over 500 employees, 15 offices, and 3 redundant live video monitoring control centers. ECAM’s proactive video monitoring watches over 20,000 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.
