Protect Your Construction Equipment by Preventing Theft.

According to a report released by the National Equipment Register, anywhere from $300 million to 1 billion dollars’ worth of equipment are stolen in the United States every year. Only 25 percent of those assets are ever recovered. No matter how well you secure your property or jobsite, your equipment and materials are vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

However, it isn’t only vehicles and equipment that are targeted by thieves. Copper fittings and other metal are a popular target for scrappers. Materials, tools, and other items left at the site for convenience could disappear in the night. If you don’t want to add to the latest statistics, here are 7 ways to protect your building site.

Fencing

Fences don’t make good neighbors, but they do make it harder for thieves to access your equipment. Putting up a locked barrier is a possible solution that’s surprisingly overlooked by many developers. Ideally, any area where you want to restrict access should be fenced off and locked. That includes on-site offices, trailers, and the build itself.

The more obstacles you can put in the way, the better. Walls and fencing aren’t impenetrable if someone is determined to get in. Thieves can cut them or climb right over the top. Locks are a little more difficult to get around, so this is an added layer that may make troublemakers think twice about robbing your jobsite.

Post Notices

Warning signs will let wanderers know in no uncertain terms that the area is off-limits to unauthorized personnel. It will also tell intruders what kind of penalties they face if they trespass.

Lighting

Lighting is a very effective deterrent. Strategically placed lights will eliminate shadows and hiding places, especially in large, open construction sites. Another option is motion detection lighting, which will add the element of surprise.

Alarm System

Installing an alarm will add another element of surprise when you want to deter thieves and vandals. Your choices are ear-shattering sirens and flashing lights or a silent alarm that provides intruders with a false sense of security while quietly alerting the authorities. The latter option increases the odds that they will be caught in the act instead of fleeing the scene in a frenzy.

Security Guard

Alarms and motion detectors will cause a person to flee, but thieves and intruders are less likely to enter a property in the first place if they see a uniformed guard patrolling the grounds.

Still, there are also some drawbacks to having live on-site security. In an ideal world, a security guard would never have to confront anyone. But in reality, this is a normal part of the job. Security staff will possibly encounter people who are disruptive at best and criminal at worst. A confrontation gone wrong can pose a serious liability risk to your business.

On-Site Cameras

On-site camera systems can be complex. A functioning system offering full property coverage around the clock requires a network of compatible security cameras, ample storage, proper cabling, and even power. However, just setting up a camera isn’t enough. They aren’t tamper-proof, and they can be stolen or disabled. If the intruder is wearing a mask or disguise, you may not be able to identify them if they’re caught.

Live Video Surveillance

Many of the above solutions can be effective deterrents. The more obstacles you can put in the way of an intruder, the less likely you are to become a crime statistic. Problem is, they may not be enough. Guards can become distracted and fences or locked doors compromised. Even alarms can’t guarantee that you won’t be targeted. None of these solutions identify the culprit unless they’re caught in the act.

EyeQ Monitoring is proud to be a leading provider of remote live surveillance in the United States. We install and maintain the most current video surveillance technology throughout the country. Our agents are fully trained and monitor all systems remotely giving you peach of mind.

At EyeQ Monitoring, we’re committed to our core values of Passion, Integrity, and Excellence. If you would like more information about our customized live video monitoring solutions to protect your property, please contact us.