Secure your construction material from theft and damage

Construction sites are a prime target for thieves. Machinery, appliances, material supplies, lumber, tools, copper wiring, and other expensive materials sitting unattended can be a tempting haul. 

But don’t let this become a nightmare for your next project!  

This guide will show you powerful strategies to safeguard your construction materials and equipment, keeping your project on track and within budget. 

From creating a secure physical environment to implementing high-tech security measures and employing smart safeguarding practices, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to keep your construction site safe and sound.

Sounds interesting? Let’s start with an in-depth investigation to understand what it is that thieves really steal from construction sites!

Common jobsite theft targets:

No matter how big or small the project, there’s always a bunch of equipment and materials floating around that can be tempting targets for theft or damage.

We understand the struggle and construction site theft statistics send a shiver to the spine…costly delays, financial losses, damaged reputations, etc. We’ve put together a list of the most common items on a construction site that are vulnerable to theft or damage. 

By identifying the assets most susceptible to theft at a construction site, you can implement targeted measures to thwart theft attempts efficiently.

Now, the above list may portray the list of items on a mega construction project, but even smaller projects may use a majority if not all of the above. National Equipment Register, reveals construction site thefts costs Canada up to $1 billion annually. With valuable equipment, materials, and tools lying around, it’s no surprise they become targets.  This blog is your one-stop shop for securing your construction  material and keeping your project on track.

Three tactics to ensure security of materials on a construction site:

• Fortify the perimeter by adding physical deterrence.
• Tech tactics: modern security measures.
• Guarding your assets: proactive security measures.

1. Fortify the perimeter by adding physical deterrence:

Install high-security fencing:

Bulldozers, excavators, and forklifts are not only costly but also challenging to relocate swiftly, attracting organized theft groups. Yet, by securing these machines and restricting access, you can prevent opportunistic thefts. In Canada, the law mandates the construction of a sturdy fence at least 1.8 meters tall to secure such assets.

Creating a secure perimeter with a sturdy fence can deter thieves. Depending on affordability, strength, and visibility, you can choose from a variety of fences:

Anti-Climb Fence: 

Designed to deter climbing, these fences often feature angled or curved tops with no footholds or handholds, making them difficult to scale.

Palisade Fence: 

Characterized by its sharp-edged steel pickets or “pales,” palisade fences offer excellent perimeter security and are difficult to climb or cut through.

Razor Wire Fence: 

Incorporating coils of razor wire or concertina wire along the top of the fence, this type of barrier provides a strong deterrent to intruders attempting to breach the perimeter.

Electrified Fence: 

These fences deliver a non-lethal electric shock to anyone attempting to climb or cut through them, providing a high level of security without causing permanent harm.

High-Security Chain Link Fence:

Reinforced with additional features such as barbed wire, mesh size reduction, or heavier gauge wire, high-security chain link fences offer enhanced protection against intrusion.

Barbed wire or razor coils can deter and prevent thieves from accessing timber lumber Pipes, valves, and fittings made of copper, brass, or other valuable metals are a target for thieves.

Install Security Lighting:

Thieves can easily steal copper, hand tools, keys, safety hats, and pretty much anything by hiding in dark, shaded, and isolated places! Improper lighting can also prevent you from detecting problems like warping, cracking, or weather damage early on.

You could be subject to harsh fines and legal repercussions if security negligence causes injuries or thefts of property. Poor lighting is the biggest negligence on the construction site owner’s side!  When workers can see clearly, they’re less likely to trip, bump into objects, or make mishaps that could damage materials or injure themselves.

Floodlights or solar-powered lights keep your site bathed in illumination, deterring criminal activity. Read our latest blog on construction site lighting requirements to find out in detail how light towers, balloon lights, high MAST, and equipment mounted lights can save your construction material from theft and damage!

Immobilize heavy machinery:

To protect concrete mixers, concrete finishers, and power trowels from being taken away illegally, install fuel cut-off switches by keyless ignition or transponder chip keys.  These can be activated remotely or with a hidden trigger, preventing the engine from starting even if someone tampers with the ignition. It’s also wise to lock fuel tank caps or enclosures to deter the siphoning of fuel.

2. Tech tactics: modern security measures:

Strategically place security cameras:

Construction sites, sprawling in nature, necessitate comprehensive security across all areas due to the widespread distribution of materials. Each location within the site presents unique security challenges, often requiring varied types of CCTV cameras to address specific needs.

For remote or less accessible areas, proactive security measures are essential. Advanced security cameras equipped with intelligent video analytics can scrutinize footage in real time, promptly alerting to any unusual activities such as unauthorized access or trespassing.

Easy to install and relocate, they’re built to withstand weather, ensuring rain, snow, and dust won’t disrupt their operation. And because downtime is costly, these cameras boast LTE connectivity for a reliable 24/7 stream, with night vision capabilities.

Top security brands like Axis, Verkada, and Bosch offer high-quality options. Look for features like IP for remote viewing, IK rating for impact resistance, solar power for sustainability on large sites, thermal imaging for perimeter security and clear images in dark settings, and deep learning technology for advanced object recognition – the ultimate security solution.

Remote video monitoring:

Remote video monitoring of construction sites involves using cameras equipped with AI to detect security breaches. When the AI detects intrusion, fire, or loitering, an alarm is triggered at the remote monitoring center. Remote operators then promptly access all cameras to assess the situation and take action in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Implementing remote construction site monitoring offers significant security benefits 24/7. By enforcing strong access controls, you can continuously monitor activity and be certain of who enters and leaves the construction site. This grants you full control over security by minimizing unauthorized access.

Accurate detection of intrusion and loitering increases the likelihood of effectively dealing with material thieves and criminals, thereby significantly reducing downtime caused by theft or missing tools.

3. Guarding Your Assets: Proactive Security Measures:

Secure the inventory:

Monitor stock and inventory closely to ensure that thieves do not target small parts and materials. Implement a strict inventory management protocols to track materials and equipment entering and leaving the site 

Regular checks conducted through the system help identify discrepancies and potential thefts. For example, ToolSense employs QR codes to track tools electronically, so you know who is using what and when!

Hand tools, while not individually expensive, can cause project delays. A collection of hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches can be tempting for a quick steal. You can embed within the tool a small, durable RFID tag. The effectiveness of tracking tools can be enhanced by strategically installing RFID readers at tool check-out and check-in stations, as well as potentially throughout the construction site itself.

Lock away tools and materials:

Padlocks:

Choose top-tier padlocks designed for high security, durability, and weather resistance. These padlocks are perfect for securing gates, toolboxes, and storage containers. Choose from disc or shackle padlocks featuring hardened steel shackles for added strength and reliability.

Cable locks:

For versatile security solutions, consider cable locks. These locks are ideal for securing tools, lumber bundles, or any other items that can be looped together with a cable. It’s important to note that safety equipment, such as hard hats and safety vests, can be targeted for theft, especially on smaller construction sites with fewer security measures in place.

Jobsite trailer lock:

To ensure that all tools and equipment are stored safely to prevent theft and damage, they can be placed inside a job site trailer and securely locked, as demonstrated in the image above.

Construction Software:

Paired with construction equipment management software, this creates a digital record of asset use, maintenance schedules, and storage protocols, making it far harder for items to “disappear” unnoticed.

Bonus Tips for handling and preventing damage to construction site material:

• A cluttered site offers hiding places for thieves. Maintain a tidy work environment.
• Another way to stop tool theft is to mark your company’s identity with metal stamps, tags, engravings, or dot peening.
• Change your receiving construction material timings to confuse potential thieves.
• Encourage employees to promptly report any suspicious activity to their supervisor. 
• Implement proper check-in/check-out procedures for all tools to ensure accountability. 
• Conduct inspections of equipment before and after each use, and securely lock up tools and materials at the conclusion of each shift.
• Background checks of employees and subcontractors add an extra layer of security.  
• By strategically placing heavy materials or construction supplies around the perimeter of equipment, site managers can create a makeshift barricade that deters unauthorized individuals from approaching or tampering with the machinery. 

Conclusion:

Construction site theft can be a major headache, leading to project delays, financial losses, and reputational damage. 

By implementing a comprehensive security plan that incorporates physical deterrents, advanced security technology, and smart safeguarding practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and safeguard your valuable materials and equipment.  

Contact us today for a customized security solution for your construction site to keep your project on track, minimize financial losses, and give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.