8 Ways to Prevent Theft from Construction Sites

Construction sites have lots of valuable items which is why they are a magnet for thieves. This doesn’t just include power tools, lifting equipment and heavy machinery but also site materials like metal, timber, and even diesel.

So how can you stop theft from your job site? We’ll look at some of the best options for construction site CCTV and expert strategies being used across the country to help deter crime at construction sites

How do you protect a construction site from theft?

One of the first things you need to do is a risk assessment. Risk assessments identify the threats to your site so you can implement the correct security measures that need to be minimised.

What is a risk assessment for construction sites?

A risk assessment is a very thorough overview and analysis of the threats that need addressing, how severe those threats are, and finding the best solution to eliminate them. It’s usually carried out in 5 steps.

1. Identify the risks.

2. Identify those at risk and how they may be affected.

3. Evaluating the extent of the risk.

4. Recording any findings then identifying which security measures need to be implemented.

5. Reviewing the threats regularly and updating them as the project progresses into different phases.

Once you have completed the risk assessment, you’ll have a better idea of what methods and strategies you want to implement to help deter trespassers on site.

What are the different methods used to deter criminals from a Construction Site?

Every year there are over £800 million worth of losses in the UK due to crimes like theft, vandalism, and arson, but there are several methods you can apply to your site to ensure you’re keeping all valuables secure on site.

Secure the site perimeter

Make your site difficult to access out of hours, using a tall perimeter fence will help keep trespassers out, adding a fence covering will also prevent people from looking into your site and gaining valuable information such as:

• Layout of the site

• Where storage containers are located

• Where equipment and heavy machinery are left.

• Easy escape routes i.e. raised land where the fence is not as high.

Clear signage around the site

It helps to have warning signs around the site like “no trespassing” or “no unauthorised entry” as this makes it clear that only people with clearance are allowed on site. If you are utilising CCTV cameras, then clearly displaying that the site is monitored will be another deterrent.

Security Lighting

Installing lighting is a relatively cost-effective way of deterring criminals and securing your site. Criminals always prefer to work when they can’t be seen so make sure that your site is well lit. Consider using LED lights as these will be cheaper to run. Where possible try and position the lights so shadows from temporary building structures are minimised.

Having security lights also means that they could work alongside other security systems such as motion sensors and alarms so when an intruder steps into the radius of the sensor lights and an alarm will sound simultaneously.

Sometimes it may be difficult to completely illuminate the site if it’s a large project, one of the solutions here is to get a lighting tower solution.

Security Alarms

Security alarms are a great way to alert the relevant people or authorities that there is a trespasser on site. It can also scare away any potential intruders. Alarms can be silent if you have onsite security so they can catch the thieves in the act or they can be audible.

Audible alarms can play a sound or a message that can tell the intruders they are trespassing, and the relevant authorities are on their way.

CCTV & Surveillance Cameras

Possibly one of the most effective ways to deter people from trespassing on site is to deploy CCTV units. These can be fixed, static cameras or Mini Dome PTZ Cameras, these can be attached to buildings, poles, or rapid deployment CCTV Towers, but don’t rush into this as choosing the best construction site CCTV camera can be a difficult decision.

If you struggle with power and connectivity for your site, then a solar CCTV tower may be the best solution as they have 150 hours of back up power and 4G connectivity. There are pros and cons for both fixed CCTV vs Redeployable CCTV so weigh up which is best for you.

CCTV surveillance systems can be expensive to purchase so consider the benefits of renting CCTV Cameras first to see if this is a more cost-effective way of securing your site.

Manned Security Guards

Having security guards present at all times can be a great way of protecting construction sites. They are a visible deterrent, and any criminal activity can be stopped within a matter of moments. They patrol the grounds and look over any equipment. They can take control of visitors and keep a record of who is on-site. You can even deploy dog handlers for a more intense presence.

This can get very expensive though as there will be multiple guards on duty 24 hours a day, not only this but manned security guards can become tired, lackadaisical, and even ring in sick.

Fully Managed Service for Construction Sites

Fully Managed CCTV services work as they take away all the uncertainty, reduce workload, and allows you to get on with your primary role without worrying about security. It provides the absolute certainty that your cameras are correctly installed, online, recording, and ready to detect activity at your sites so that when they are needed most, they'll be ready. Additionally, if criminal activity is detected at your site, a security professional is watching and ready to respond in real-time.

What do you get with a Fully Managed CCTV Service for Construction Sites?

Below are the key things you can expect to benefit from when you utilise WCCTV's managed security services:

Expert Advice from a Highly Experienced Team

When you consider using WCCTV's rapid deployment CCTV systems, your first step will be to discuss your requirements with one of our experienced Security Advisors.

They will ask you some key questions about the site or property you're looking to protect. This will ensure we can offer a CCTV system and service that meets your requirements.

Professional Installation Services

They will visit your site and install all the equipment you require, whether it's a rapid deployment CCTV Tower, redeployable CCTV system, time lapse video camera or permanent CCTV installation.

They will also assist with the configuration of the systems, including:

• Testing all detection zones

• Setting up video analytics

• Installing alarms and audio-voice down systems

• Provide you with our free and unlicenced viewing software / mobile app

• Commission any Time Lapse Video cameras with our video editing professionals

Professional Alarm Monitoring Services

CCTV cameras act as a powerful visual deterrent, helping to prevent trespass, vandalism, and theft at your sites. They also provide high-quality video evidence of any incidents or activities on your sites.

But when remote video monitoring services support the cameras, they act as a virtual security guard.

All of WCCTV's rapid deployment CCTV systems deliver live and recorded video via 4G, which can be sent directly to our Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)

Remote Diagnostics and Maintenance

All our portable CCTV systems are fitted with ongoing, preventative remote diagnostic tools

Twice a day, every day, we will check:             

• Connection Issues: Reports when the connection to the surveillance unit fails or the unit goes offline.

• Camera Failures: Detects if a camera has developed a fault or is tampered with.    

• Hard Disk Failures: Detects hard disk failures or if it stops recording.    

• Recording Issues: Reports if the system records for less than expected

• Time & Date Inaccuracy: Reports when the time is incorrect or tampered with

A simple power reboot can resolve up to 99% of these issues. That's why we install all our surveillance cameras with a Smart Switch, an automated power switch that allows for a remote reboot to occur.

If you want more information on how to secure your construction site, request a free consultation from one of our security experts today or call us on 0800 470 4630