Construction site theft is rampant across the state of Washington, draining millions from local businesses annually. A sobering report from the Associated General Contractors of America reveals 70% of Washington construction companies fell victim to theft last year alone, with the average incident costing $10,000. All told, these crimes sap over $240 million from the state’s construction industry each year.
The most common targets for opportunistic thieves are tools, equipment, and building materials. Pilfered tools account for roughly half of these incidents, while hijacked heavy equipment like excavators and bulldozers are also an issue. Copper wires, lumber, and drywall also frequently vanish from vulnerable jobsites.
The impacts of theft resonate far beyond the initial losses. Stolen goods can delay projects, damage reputations, and drive-up insurance costs. Once victimized, contractors often find themselves routinely targeted.
This epidemic stems largely from the high value and easy accessibility of building sites. With their cornucopia of lootable goods and remote locales, construction zones prove irresistible to larcenous opportunists. And once stolen, these items feed a bustling black market eager to supply unscrupulous contractors, scrap dealers, and online merchants.
Fortunately for the construction site featured in the video below, implementing remote video monitoring is a proactive security strategy that can help reduce and deter incidents of theft by intervening in trespassing issues quickly. Watch what happened when Stealth’s alert team of security professionals caught this suspicious activity as it happened:
Just before 10:00 p.m., a sharp-eyed Stealth security operator observed two individuals trespassing onto a Washington construction site, carrying bags and heading further into the property. The observing security monitoring staffers activated audible on-site warnings, but the duo was undeterred, leading security professionals to immediately contact local police dispatchers and report the need for police intervention. Responding officers arrived onsite shortly after the call was placed, located the trespassers, and placed them under arrest.
Help Reduce Incidents of Theft and Trespassing with Proactive Security Solutions
Traditional security measures like guards, fences, and cameras provide a baseline of protection at construction sites, but fall short when lone watchmen struggle to cover sprawling grounds or flimsy chain-link proves no match for determined trespassers.
Enter Stealth’s live video monitoring– a solution that fuses analytical camera tech with human intelligence for proactive, real-time surveillance. This innovative approach helps transcend the limits of traditional measures to deliver more comprehensive protection.
At the core of this enhanced solution is the surveillance monitoring of trained security professionals in a remote command center. When suspicious activity arises on camera, they can take immediate action to secure sites and assets. Smart analytics also reduce false alarms by distinguishing genuine threats from benign incidents like plastic bags on fences.
The setup can be adjusted dynamically as projects advance, with strategic camera placements covering entry gates, tool sheds, and other critical areas. Trespassing and theft risks evolve over a build, but ECAM’s flexible system adapts to maintain optimal security.
Interested in elevating your construction site protection while potentially reducing costs by 60%? Contact Stealth today to speak with a construction security expert and get a free quote. Our video monitoring services help deliver comprehensive coverage that can go beyond the capabilities of traditional measures.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
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