Construction sites in Boston, Massachusetts, have become increasingly vulnerable to crime, particularly theft. Recent incidents in the area highlighted the severity of the issue, making construction security solutions a more salient concern. For example, a Boston construction business reported theft of both a dump truck and excavator stolen from their property, though both vehicles were later successfully located.
Like many urban settings, construction sites in Boston are filled with high-value items such as copper wiring, lumber, professional-grade tools, and heavy equipment, making them attractive targets for thieves. Thefts, vandalism, and trespassing typically occur during off-hours or over weekends when sites are less likely to be monitored. The impact of these crimes on construction projects can be profound, not only due to the immediate loss or damage of materials and equipment, but also because of the subsequent project delays and rising insurance costs.
Boston Construction Site Security Trends
Despite Boston’s reputation for being a relatively safe city, the construction industry faces unique security challenges. Boston’s crime rates, including violent and property crimes, have fluctuated over the years. Your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime, for example, according to NeighborhoodScout.com, is 1 in 152 versus 1 in 311 in the entire state of Massachusetts.
Property crimes in Boston are more common- with your chances of becoming a victim at 1 in 51. Thefts are an astonishing 15.77 per 1,000 residents. However, thefts from construction sites have remained a persistent problem. The Boston Police Department has reported an uptick in incidents, which is alarming for contractors and developers who are already grappling with tight schedules and budgets.
Traditional vs. Modern Security Solutions in Boston
Traditional security measures like fences, floodlights, and signage have increasingly been deemed inadequate for preventing sophisticated construction site thefts. These conventional methods often fail to deter or delay criminals effectively, leading to slow response times and missed opportunities to prevent crime. In contrast, modern security solutions, which leverage technology and proactive monitoring, are becoming essential.
Boston Proactive Security: A Necessary Evolution
Companies like ECAM are at the forefront of proactive security solutions, offering live remote video monitoring in Boston and other North American cities that allows security personnel to oversee construction sites in real time. This method not only helps in detecting suspicious activity early but also actively deters crime by allowing operators to intervene through remote speakers, alerting intruders that they are being watched. Additionally, immediate communication with local law enforcement helps to ensure a rapid response before significant damage can occur.
Boston Adapting to Construction Site Challenges
Recognizing the unique security challenges posed by construction sites, such as variable power sources, poor lighting, and evolving layouts, ECAM has developed a proactive construction security solution – an adaptable live remote video monitoring security system specifically designed to meet the needs of the construction industry. Providing robust surveillance under diverse conditions, our systems include options like solar-powered monitoring for sites without access to power. ECAM offers a strategic blend of technology and proactive tactics essential for safeguarding and providing premium Boston construction security.
As theft and vandalism continue to pose significant threats to construction projects, adopting advanced, proactive security measures is increasingly crucial for protecting assets and ensuring the continuity of construction activities. For more information on how these innovative security solutions can safeguard your projects in Boston, contact ECAM at our Northeast US central headquarters, located at 7521 Connelley Drive in Hanover, Maryland today and speak with a construction industry security specialist for your free quote.
Security Applications for Construction Sites
Live Video Monitoring
Help maintain a secure environment while minimizing liability and providing measurable ROI. We can safeguard unmanned and remote locations, gates, perimeter fences, equipment, cranes and other valuable assets.
Mobile Surveillance Units
Construction sites present one of the most difficult environments to secure, with unstable power, poor lighting and constant change. ECAM’s Mobile Surveillance Solution was built for rapid deployment and can be mounted on almost any pole or flat surface, to secure even the most challenging sites.
Solar Video Monitoring
Solar-powered surveillance technology allows cameras to monitor sites without power or electricity.
Thermal Imaging
Because they sense objects based on the heat they radiate, thermal cameras see things the human eye and standards cameras cannot, providing clear images in daylight, darkness, shadows and inclement weather.
