Eyeforce has 25 years of dedicated industry expertise in construction site security, serving construction companies nationwide. Across the industry, common serious problems such as theft, vandalism, trespassing, and loitering continue to cause loss to construction site owners and managers. This quick guide will cover common questions regarding construction site crime and how to prevent it.  

What are the Most Common Construction Site Security Risks? 

The most common security risks at construction sites include: 

• Theft of equipment, tools, and materials
• Organized crime
• Vandalism
• Loitering/Trespassing

Each of these risks results in many additional problems, risks, delays, and losses.

What Are the Annual Losses in Construction Site Theft?

The National Equipment Register reports that the annual value of the equipment stolen throughout the nation ranges from $300 million to $1 billion (1). This range only includes reported theft; smaller tools and supplies that are stolen, as well as the related lost work time, are not always reported.

Why Should I Have Construction Site Security?

Providing and maintaining appropriate levels of site security benefits both the owner and contractors, as it will protect the site, reduce the potential for theft and restrict entry to only authorized personnel.

What Factors Should You Consider in Construction Site Security?

The types and level of security construction sites should implement is dependent on four key factors which include,

• Project location: Exposures arising from neighboring properties and specific to urban or rural locations.
• Project type: Nature of the project (i.e. vertical or horizontal project) and value of equipment and materials utilized.
• Location Specific Exposures: Does the site location influence exposure to arson or intrusion? Socioeconomic profile of locality, including crime rate and nature of crimes.
• Project Public Support: Is the project a benefit or an inconvenience to the surrounding public in the area? Does the project enjoy public support or is it perceived as a detriment and a likely target for vandalism, theft, or trespass?

How can Construction Sites Improve its Security?

Unfortunately, construction sites will always be target for crimes. Because of this, it is important for project owners or managers take the necessary steps to secure the site. These steps include:

• Establish a security plan at the beginning of the project. Map out the area and identify places of vulnerability such as entrances, exits, storage areas, and areas of low visibility. 
• Secure the perimeter. Use fencing to protect the site and keep trespassers out. Additional perimeter protection might include a remote guarding solution that can provide access and proactively deter crime on-site. 
• Use proper storage. Keep tools and materials in secure storage units that are located in a way that guards have high visibility. 
• Install adequate lighting. Keeping your site well-lit is an important way to deter crime. Criminals do not want to be caught or identified, and proper lighting allows others to spot illegal activity and report it.
• Schedule deliveries as needed. Instead of storing many high-value materials on-site throughout the project, schedule deliveries closer to the time of need. 
• Implement Remote Guarding. Remote Video Guarding can provide access control to the site, act as on-site guards, and provide immediate voice intervention. In the event of a crime, remote guards can initiate swift law enforcement response.

➤ Remote Guarding sounds like the cost-saving solution I need! Get me to the good stuff. 

How Can Construction Sites Prevent Theft?

Since construction sites hold millions of dollars in materials, tools, and equipment, theft is always a major concern. Preventing its occurrence is difficult and requires multiple layers of security. Secure the entire site with fencing and remote guarding. Within the site, keep materials, tools, and equipment in a generalized area, locked up, and under constant surveillance. Keep the property well-lit. For a powerful theft deterrent, implement Eyeforce Remote Guarding, an advanced video surveillance system that includes night vision, sophisticated analytics, monitoring, and live audio intervention provided by crime intervention specialists.