Do you run a construction company? If so, you will doubtless be aware of the potential security issues your sites are up against on a regular basis. The trouble with construction sites is that they are targets of theft and vandalism. It doesn’t matter whether the site is small or large. If there’s construction work happening, you can bet someone will break into it.
As someone that runs their own construction business, it’s a problem you will have had to deal with on many occasions in the past. The news isn’t all bad. There are plenty of practical steps you can take to prevent unauthorised persons entering your sites. Read on to find out what they are!
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Ensure you’ve got an effective security plan
One of the ways that people can take advantage of lax site security is by finding flaws in your site security. That’s why it is important to have an effective security plan in place. In essence, it’s a plan that details what measures you will put in place and where they will get executed.
It’s a plan that both you and those who liaise with the police should know well. Some firms don’t make those details available to others working on each site. Why? An unfortunate fact is that there will always be some rogue employees. And they will sometimes take advantage of inadequate security.
Once you’ve got a detailed plan in place, you will reduce the likelihood of being another victim of crime.
Keep a log of all assets and property
Asset management is an important aspect of construction site security for many reasons. You will have a clear view of what assets and property you own, and where they get used. Larger firms tie up a lot of capital and work on several sites at the same time, so it can help to track down where they are.
The details you log should include the make, model and serial numbers of each asset. It doesn’t matter whether the item in question is a power tool or an excavator. If these items ever get stolen, your insurance company will want to make a note of these details before they replace them.
Avoid making paper notes of your assets and property. It’s no secret that we live in a digital age. I recommend storing the information in an online source, such as a database or cloud storage service. That way, you can access the details wherever you are, regardless of your current location.
Add security markings to your equipment and machinery
One of the biggest theft deterrents open to construction site operators is security marking. The process involves engraving a serial or reference number on each heavy machine and equipment used on the site.
Equipment and machines also have the company’s postcode engraved on them. The only way that thieves can make money on stolen goods is to sell them to other people. They are more likely to steer clear of security marked items as they are difficult to sell. And there’s also a high chance they could get caught trying to sell stolen goods.
Make sure you have valid insurance cover
A construction company owner would be foolish not to have a valid insurance policy on their plant machinery! It’s quite easy these days to get quotes to suit your needs. For instance, the plant insurance can be organised online. Technophobes can still use conventional means to get quotes, like the telephone!
Before you get quotes, you must know what machinery and equipment you want to cover. You must also provide details of where those items will be on a regular basis.
Install surveillance cameras
One of the best ways to protect your construction sites is to install visual deterrents on them. Surveillance cameras are a practical way of observing what goes on at your sites when you’re not there.
CCTV cameras, as they are often called, can get installed at any location at your construction sites. You can install conventional wired cameras powered by mains electricity. Or you can opt for wireless models that use battery power.
The great thing about today’s security cameras is most of them are network-accessible. That means you can view them over an Internet connection, even if you’re many miles away from your construction sites!
It’s important to install as many CCTV cameras as possible. The prominent places to fit them are where people enter and exit your site. You should also install them in areas where your plant machines get kept overnight. And in areas not usually visible to the public.
Hire security guards
When your sites are all closed, an effective way of preventing theft and vandalism is to hire some security guards. They can patrol inside and around your construction sites at regular intervals. Doing so shows that you have active visual deterrents on your sites.
They can contact the police if a burglary is in progress. And they can ensure vandals don’t break in to damage your site and plant machinery.
There are plenty of security firms out there that you can hire. The presence they have on your construction sites gets determined by the level of security you wish to have. You should decide what level is best on a site by site basis.
It makes no sense to hire loads of security guards for small sites where crime is seldom an issue, for example.
Secure the perimeter of your construction sites
One of the primary security measures you must take when protecting your sites is to install perimeters around them.
You need to build boundaries that one cannot easily scale. They should be robust and withstand all weather conditions. Sometimes firms introduce poor quality perimeters that fall at the slightest gust of wind!
It doesn’t matter whether you use wood, metal or concrete perimeters. You just need to ensure they are strong enough to protect the site from intruders. And from the weather too!
By following the above tips, you’ll reduce the risk of having plant tools and machinery stolen or vandalised.
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