How To Deter Theft On The Construction Site Over Christmas

Equipment theft is a relatively common occurrence which, unfortunately, has a low recovery rate. In many cases, the construction site is operating on a tight budget within a time frame which makes any type of disruption detrimental to the overall project. Theft of equipment causes massive inconvenience and delays to the projects, while new equipment is sourced, and investigations are made.

An Easy Target

Construction companies are often easy targets as job sites are often difficult to secure, due to size and location. At night and over the weekend, they are even more vulnerable to criminal activity.

Comprehensive insurance will of course cover theft, although any claim will typically lead to a rise in insurance premiums. There are, however, several preventative measures which may be taken to ensure that your organisation is well protected.

Catalogue & Register Your Equipment

All equipment and products should be catalogued using a comprehensive identification system - this should include documenting the make, model, and serial number of everything you have as well as where and when it was purchased. If possible, it is also a good idea to register all equipment with a security company registration scheme. A clear record should be maintained at all times of what arrives on site and when - a detailed paper trail is essential in assisting towards recovery in the case of theft.

Product Identification

All company-owned equipment can be made even easier to identify by having it stamped – this can be done by using a steel punch, die-stamping or with etching tools. Stamped equipment is more inconvenient for thieves, as they need to make more of an effort to remove or change the markings. Fitted tracking devices can also offer another means of monitoring equipment.

Securing Equipment

Some types of equipment are more likely to be stolen than others, this often includes smaller items which can be easily lifted into a van or a lorry. In order to secure these items, they can be anchored and locked to larger machines, making them more difficult to move away.

Lighting and CCTV

A well-lit construction site is off-putting for thieves – lighting, coupled with CCTV considerably reduce the chances of criminal activity as many criminals rely on being able to remain inconspicuous. Larger construction sites may consider hiring a security firm to secure the site out of hours.

Staff Records & Management

The construction site is often an extremely busy place with a number of contractors coming and going, as such, it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of everyone. All employees should have a detailed background check, it is important to be sure that employees are trustworthy. Having a present on-site manager that lets employees know that they are actively observing and aware of who is who, can also make a big difference.

Report Crimes

No matter how small or insignificant a crime may be, any type of theft or vandalism are criminal acts and must be reported to the police. This is also essential for successful insurance claims - If insurance companies are informed of the preventative measures taken, they may lower the premiums.

AT Wilde & Son Ltd

We offer a wide range of plant hire and machinery for the site including construction equipment parts and accessories. For more information on our products and services, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.