Remote Video Monitoring: A Game-Changer for Construction Site Security

As anyone working within or adjacent to the industry knows, construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, teeming with potential dangers like heavy machinery, unfinished structures, and various construction materials. When unauthorized individuals trespass onto these sites, they not only put themselves at risk but also create a multitude of problems for the construction business and jobsite management. 

One major concern is actually the safety of the trespassers themselves. Untrained and unaware of the potential hazards, these individuals can easily become victims of accidents, leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. This not only has a human cost but can also lead to substantial legal and financial repercussions for the construction company. In many jurisdictions, construction businesses are held liable for accidents that occur on their sites, regardless of the victim’s authorization to be there. The resulting lawsuits can be both costly and damage the company’s reputation. 

In the video above, Stealth security professionals monitoring a construction jobsite observed an individual trespassing at approximately 9:52 p.m., long after anyone would have legitimate reasons for being onsite. Observing monitoring staff contacted local law enforcement dispatchers to inform them of the activity, and responding officers were observed arriving quickly, locating the suspect, and safely apprehending them. 

Another common concern within the industry is the risk of theft and vandalism. Construction sites often contain expensive equipment and materials, which can be a target for thieves. What had been a longstanding risk and issue was exacerbated by the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic’s snarling of supply chains, making materials harder to come by and driving up their prices on both the legitimate and black markets. Recent data has shown that the problem has continued to grow. Unauthorized access increases the risk of theft, leading to financial losses for the company. Vandalism, too, can be costly, not only in terms of the immediate damage but also due to the potential delays it causes to the construction schedule. 

In this video, Stealth security professionals spotted an individual on surveillance entering the north part of a construction site at approximately 10:48 p.m. and entering trailer storage. Observing monitoring operators immediately activated audible onsite warnings and contacted local police dispatch to inform them of the trespassing and potential theft in progress. Officers arrived on site and could be seen on cameras engaging with the suspect. Police officers also informed monitoring staff that a keyholder was requested onsite to secure the site, as there were unlocked doors and fences that needed attention.  

The issue of liability can extend beyond physical injuries or property damage. Unauthorized access can also lead to breaches of privacy and confidentiality, especially if the trespassers gain access to sensitive areas or documents. This can have serious implications, particularly if the construction project involves proprietary or confidential information. 

To mitigate these risks, construction businesses typically invest significantly in security measures. This includes physical barriers like fencing and locks, surveillance systems like CCTV cameras, and hiring security personnel. While these measures are essential, they also represent an additional cost for the business, impacting the overall budget of the construction project. 

 In this example video of construction trespassing and theft, a suspect can be seen entering the site after prowling the exterior perimeter for a bit, and after entering heads to an area where several stacks of construction materials are being kept. The suspect can be seen taking materials before disappearing from camera view. Police were dispatched to the site and intercepted the individual off camera. 

Fencing alone is typically not enough to keep determined trespassers out, as can be seen in the video above. Even a project that appears to have no desirable tools or materials within eye-range proved too tempting to pass up for this trespasser, who pried fencing open to gain access to a large gravel pit before responding officers arrived and took them into custody despite their attempt to hide behind a concrete barricade.  

 Keeping sites secure is complicated, and unsecured or ineffectively secured sites can create a whole host of problems for the various stakeholders working on a project. Stolen materials and tools will need to be replaced before work can continue. Injuries or fatalities may cause work stoppages, potentially costing money both through liability issues and insurance premiums but also through missed deadlines and project delays.  

Additionally, the responsibility of ensuring site security often falls on multiple parties, including the construction company, contractors, and property owners. This can lead to challenges in coordination and communication, making it difficult to maintain a consistently secure environment. 

The Imperative of Comprehensive, Layered Security in Construction 

In the realm of construction security, the optimal approach is a comprehensive, integrated system encompassing multiple layers of protection. This holistic strategy should include a synergistic blend of robust lighting, secure fencing, advanced video surveillance, vigilant monitoring, and trained security personnel. Together, these elements can form a formidable barrier, significantly complicating any unauthorized attempts to breach the construction site’s defenses, and ultimately helping to ensure a fortified jobsite. 

Beyond mere security, an integrated system offers substantial benefits in enhancing productivity and organizational efficiency on the construction site. It can facilitate effective management of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, ensuring their separation for optimal safety. High-quality video cameras play a pivotal role in this regard, offering expansive, bird’s-eye views of the site. These perspectives can prove to be invaluable for ensuring orderly movement and strategically planning the layout of the site to optimize material transportation routes and streamlining operations. 

When implementing these types of security measures, it’s important to collaborate with security firms that possess a deep understanding of the construction industry’s unique needs. Expertise in the nuanced selection and deployment of security solutions can make a massive difference in the overall results and implementation. 

Construction companies bear the critical responsibility of safeguarding everyone on the jobsite. In an era marked by a rise in construction site thefts, it is increasingly important to employ a multifaceted approach to security. This approach not only helps to deter theft but can also prevent damage to costly and irreplaceable materials and equipment. 

For those seeking a more in-depth exploration of this topic, we recommend perusing our guide on construction security and safety best practices. This comprehensive resource delves into the challenges faced by construction sites and proposes effective solutions. It encompasses industry-recommended best practices aimed at assisting construction companies in establishing more secure and safer working environments.  

We also recommend the implementation of a proactive security solution like our remote video monitoring, which can be seen in multiple applications above. When our trained security professionals monitor analytics-driven surveillance feeds and spot suspicious or unusual activity, they can take immediate action by sounding audible warning alarms, contacting local law enforcement, or following other site protocols to intervene before significant theft or damages occur. For details on our customizable and cost-effective solutions, contact us today and speak with one of our construction security specialists for a free quote. 

Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704