Construction burglars and materials theft is an ongoing issue for businesses across North America. With the current political environment adding talks of tariffs on materials like lumber, steel, and other critical commercial construction components, this issue may prove more costly and impactful than ever before.
Prevention of materials theft- stopping it before it happens- is critical. In this Arrest of the Month video, live video monitoring helps do just that:
Late night, at an Ontario condo building under construction, Stealth Monitoring remote video surveillance staff spotted an individual trespassing on the property and hopping a fence. Onsite audible alarms were immediately activated, and contact was made with local police dispatchers. Officers arrived on site quickly and located the construction burglar, safely taking them into custody without further incident.
Construction site theft has become an issue in Ontario, and the impacts can lead to substantial financial losses and project delays. Thieves typically target sites themselves, but in a recent case, 3 individuals targeted warehouses and wholesalers selling high-end construction equipment– with the police ultimately recovering nearly $1 million in stolen goods. This example highlights the appeal to criminals the theft of materials, tools, and heavy equipment, which are often targeted due to their high resale value and the relative ease of removing them from sites that are often less secure, especially after hours and during weekends or holidays.
Canadian construction companies lose roughly $46 million annually due to equipment theft, with the costs of construction theft estimated to be between $15 and $20 million in Ontario alone. These thefts not only cause immediate financial strain by increasing replacement costs but also lead to cascading effects -like increased insurance premiums, heightened security expenses, and potential project delays, affecting overall profitability and operational timelines.
Proactive Solutions Are Critical to Help Deter Construction Burglars
Preventative security measures are more important than ever before, for protecting not only the jobsite itself from theft, vandalism, and trespassing- but to protect stakeholders’ bottom lines and maximize employee and subcontractor safety while minimizing liability risks.
- Physical Security: Strong perimeter defenses like fencing equipped with anti-climb and anti-cut materials, secure gates, and controlled access points are essential. Temporary fencing, security clamps, and spike rails can significantly enhance a site’s security.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Installing mobile video surveillance cameras and employing remote video monitoring can deter thieves and provide real-time incident response. The visibility of security measures can also act as a psychological deterrent.
- Lighting: Well-lit sites can help discourage theft by removing the cover of darkness that thieves often rely on.
- Secure Storage: Lockable containers and sheds for storing tools and materials, particularly those that are frequently targeted, like copper wiring and high-value equipment. Employing tamper-proof locks and immobilization devices for vehicles and heavy machinery can also prevent theft.
- Inventory and Documentation: Keeping detailed records of materials, tools, and equipment with identifiable marks or tags helps in tracking and recovering stolen items. Implementing an inventory management system can ensure all items are accounted for daily.
- Employee and Subcontractor Management: Training staff on security protocols and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards theft are critical. Ensuring all personnel are aware of the consequences of theft can foster an environment of accountability and vigilance.
Given the significant impact of theft on construction projects, integrating a combination of these strategies tailored to specific site vulnerabilities can help mitigate risks and secure assets more effectively.
Commercial construction sites are pivotal to community development- and we understand how frustrating ongoing theft, trespassing, and other disruptions can be. By adopting intelligent remote monitoring solutions from Stealth Monitoring, you are securing the future of your projects. Are you ready to elevate the security of your site? Contact Stealth Monitoring today and let our construction security experts demonstrate how intelligent remote monitoring can revolutionize your approach to safeguarding your upcoming projects in 2025 and beyond.
