Stealing from construction sites is a big problem. Contractors can stand to lose lots o money from this illegal activity if they do not take action. By implementing some or all of the tips below, you can curtail construction site theft.
- Adequate Lighting: It is easier to break in and steal things on a construction site under the cover of darkness. Adequate lighting on a construction site helps to protect your site from thefts and even vandalism. Just the thought of being seen will make most thieves shy away from well-lit sites.
- Fence the Site: Fence makes it harder to access the site, however, the better the fence the better the protection offered. By not making your site an easy place to access, you are helping to protect your tools and equipment. Certain thieves look out for soft targets, and will not attempt to get onto a fenced compound.
- Post Warning Signs: While it may not deter some types of thieves, warning signs do serve as a deterrent. Seeing signs around warning that the construction site is monitored will cause some thieves to move on.
- Use Tracking Devices: For expensive equipment, placing tracking devices on them can help police track down the thief or the location of the item. These types of devices can be placed on trackers and heavy-duty equipment. With the improvement in technology, many of these devices can withstand the elements so placing them on pallets f lumber or other material is possible. Many tracking devices allow you to track the movement of items from your mobile phone.
- Install Electronic Surveillance System: These can be one of your best anti-theft devices. Cameras especially one can scan the construction site and provide alerts if anyone is seen when they shouldn’t be on the site. They also help give staff a sense of safety and protection. Today it is possible to view camera footage from your mobile phone whether or not you are at the location.
It is important to be aware that not all construction site thefts are committed after hours by strangers. Small items are frequently stolen by workers themselves. Keeping an inventory can help with this as you know what is available. Implementing some or all of the above steps will not prevent thefts, but they can reduce the volume.
Best of all, the cost for any of these preventative strategies is much less than replacement of equipment and supplies. Give us a call at 407-316-8544 to discuss your upcoming project or to request the services of one of our construction project managers.