Securing your construction site
A surge in construction site thefts…
The rise in steel prices throughout 2021 has threatened construction sites, not just due to the rise in supply costs but also from the increase of construction site thefts.
Demand for steel has not subsided, however the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19 are mainly to blame for the reduced availability of the material and naturally caused the prices to inflate.
These price increases motivate thieves to trespass on construction sites to find high value materials for the increased scrap metal prices. The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) reported a 50% rise in construction site crime since Covid-19.
These price increases are not slowing, and it’s predicted the prices will continue to rise throughout the last quarter of the year.
So, what can you do to protect your construction sites…?
We recently wrote a blog on 10 ways to secure a building and we thought it appropriate to provide our advice in a more detailed manner to construction sites.
Security Guards
When high value materials are stored on a construction site, licensed security guards are the most preventative theft measure. Effective guards can deter trespassing and prevent intrusions. These guards are not just to dissuade trespassing but if it does occur, they can act immediately providing successful outcomes. Whether this is with regards to capturing trespassers, providing evidence to police, or showing face to intimidate intruders.
We are passionate about resourcing local personnel to local sites. Find out more about us.
Secure the Perimeter
Having a physical barrier surrounding the perimeter of a construction site is not enough to deter unwanted trespassers although this is the first step to take. More security measures around the perimeter are required to ensure the site is fully secure. Other actions to consider taking, are fence or wall toppers or adding anti climb paint to the barrier. Once there is a physical boundary this needs to also be monitored. As well as employing a security guard, cameras and motion sensor lighting can be effective as well as a robust alarm system.
Securing Materials
Construction sites may appear to be secure on the outside but making it more difficult for theft to take place can deter criminals in more ways. By locking away valuable materials and equipment in a second secure internal space creates extra difficulty for anyone specifically searching for these. Smaller compounds can ensure you can have more focus on this area when it comes to security, such as a higher density of lighting and cameras.
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Access Control
Access control provides a more technical approach to security measures for a construction site. Often to provide controlled access to a building you’ll see access ID cards or facial recognition, and this can be used at construction sites too. Ensuring there is a process for everyone who is allowed access, enables security guards to determine who is official and who could be a threat to the site.
Read our blog Actually can I see your ID to understand why this is so important.
Blue Light Group
The above steps are all areas in which Blue Light Group can help to ensure you are keeping your construction site secure. Initially we would discuss your plans for the construction site and provide you with analysis on how the area can be improved. We can then work with you to implement these security measures, to ensure your construction site is as secure as possible and there is less of a threat of theft.
Contact us to find out how we can help