Building site theft has become so commonplace that it’s almost an accepted part of most construction projects. In fact, many building companies include a contingency in their build budget for theft and vandalism. But why is building site theft so rife? And how can you stop it?
Why are building sites prime targets for unlawful behaviour?
For the vast majority of perpetrators, building site theft is an opportunistic crime. These sites offer the perfect combination of circumstances for theft to thrive. Specifically, they provide:
· Accessibility: They usually cannot be fully locked up and are often left unattended.
· Potential for significant reward: A lot of expensive materials and equipment are left on building sites.
· A lack of traceability: Due to the large number of people working on a building site, theft can go unnoticed for a long time.
And it’s not just theft that building sites are a hotbed for. Many are unfortunately prone to a wide variety of unlawful behaviour. From vandalism to more dangerous crimes, a site without sufficient security can fall prey to all kinds of criminal activity.
Why should your business invest in commercial security?
Sadly, the recovery rate for stolen building site equipment is extremely low. And, even if it is recovered, the process is usually long and time consuming. So, most of the time, once it’s gone, it’s gone.
In addition to the cost of replacing what’s been stolen, this can blow out your build timeline and budget. However, investing in sufficient commercial security upfront can prevent theft related losses and delays. This helps keep the site safe and allows your crew to get on with their job.
Even if the worst happens, identifying the thief and recovering the equipment will be much easier with quality surveillance cameras. Also, if more thieves were less confident they would get away with it, they’d be less likely to steal. As such, having more sites properly protected should help lower the overall incidence of building site theft.
How do you choose the right onsite security?
A good onsite security system is built on three key pillars:
· Quality surveillance cameras: CCTV can help with both deterring theft and identifying perpetrators if something is stolen. When designing a surveillance system, it’s important to also consider site access points and lighting.
· Reliable alarm systems: From motion detection to public announcement systems, alarms are critical to identifying security issues and notifying the relevant people. For additional security, use a back to base alarm system that provides 24/7 monitoring.
· A vigilant team: No amount of technology can make up for an unengaged team. Site security is everyone’s responsibility and preventing building site theft should be part of your planning and training.
Is CCTV hire worth it?
While traditional fixed surveillance cameras are not always suitable for building sites, there are a range of mobile security systems for hire. CCTV technology has come a long way and it’s now possible to get Blue-Ray quality imagery, even from mobile equipment. This means you can have a high-quality commercial security system, even if it’s only a temporary installation.
Choosing to hire your CCTV surveillance cameras means the system can be designed to fit your site’s specific requirements. It also means that each time you require site security, you can make sure you are getting the latest technology.
An added bonus of CCTV hire is that, depending on the technology used, it can supplement your customer engagement program. In addition to giving them 24/7 visibility of their site, you can also produce a time lapse of their construction.
Want more information?
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your commercial security, or simply want to prevent building site theft, Tecsec Security Solutions can help. We’re experts in designing bespoke systems and Perth’s leading provider of top quality alarm systems and CCTV hire equipment. Contact us today to organise your free onsite security appraisal.