In 2021, Statista reported there were 11,504 burglaries on construction sites in the U.S., according to For Construction Pros. Theft can be costly for your business because you must pay to replace stolen items, and waiting for new items to arrive can delay projects.
Taking the time to secure your job site can be crucial. The following steps can help reduce the likelihood of someone stealing from your sites.
- Determine risks before the project begins. Assess the job site. Is there a history of theft in the area? Are there areas of the job site that can be easily breached? Have you conducted background checks on the people you hired? When you have identified the factors that could make your job site more susceptible to theft, you can work to improve overall security.
- Secure the job site. Limiting access to the job site can help deter unauthorized individuals from entering the site. Fences, security cameras, lighting and signs warning people the site is under surveillance can be effective deterrents. Additionally, certain protocols can help you keep track of who is on your job site, including maintaining a list of authorized employees and which pieces of equipment they can use; keeping a log of all visitors; and providing employee ID cards and visitor passes.
- Protect tools and equipment after hours. Steps to take include ensuring all equipment is in a fenced-in area secured by locked gates; locking up equipment when it’s not being used; attaching GPS devices to pieces of equipment; removing equipment keys and storing them in a locked place out of sight; and taking photos and documenting equipment serial numbers. You also can conduct a site inspection at the end of each day to identify vulnerabilities that could help intruders.
- Consider having insurance in place. If something is stolen from your job site, having the right insurance coverage can help with the cost of replacing items. Examples of insurance include installation coverage, contractor’s equipment insurance or builder’s risk insurance. Speak with an agent, insurer or local expert to discuss a risk management program and policy that is best for your business.
