When construction sites close at night or on weekends, they pose an attractive prospect for criminals. In fact, theft alone costs the UK construction industry approximately £800 million annually, according to a report by financial services company Allianz. Worse still, the Construction Equipment Association found that construction theft increased by an estimated 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating that many criminals are opportunistic by nature. With this in mind, it’s critical that construction site managers like you take steps to reduce the likelihood of theft and other crimes. Moreover, robust security measures may also deter trespassers, which is critical for safety reasons. Consider the following strategies for improving job site security:

• Secure the perimeter. Erect a fence at least 2 metres high around the site and utilise signage to advise potential trespassers that entry is forbidden. Additionally, consider an access control system to ensure only authorised personnel can gain access to the site.
• Lock up valuables. Store valuables, equipment and machinery in a secure location while workers are off-site. Robust shipping containers could be leveraged for this purpose.
• Keep the site well-lit. Many crimes occur in darkness. As such, keep the construction site well-lit 24/7 to deter criminals and make it appear as though workers are still present.
• Use a surveillance system. Utilise CCTV security systems to actively monitor the site. Not only will this act as a deterrent, but it may also facilitate the capture of valuable security footage should criminal activity occur.
• Create a security plan. Outline all safety protocols in a detailed security plan and disseminate this company-wide. For larger projects, consider enlisting a third-party security professional to audit the site and identify any vulnerabilities that may have been missed.

Deciding which security measures are best will depend on the type and size of the project and the expense of equipment on site. Regardless, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so construction site managers should act with caution when scrutinising security strategies.

Contact us today for additional risk management guidance.