Construction equipment theft is something that no one wants to happen on their site. It causes significant setbacks and can severely halt the efficiency of a construction site.
That’s why it is in a company’s interest to effectively safeguard all of a construction site’s assets, equipment, materials, and other valuable properties. With that in mind, here are 10 ways that you can beef up security on a construction site and prevent theft:
Create a Theft Prevention Policy
When thinking about construction site theft, you should worry not only about outsiders trying to steal from you. There are many cases of employees being the ones responsible for theft on-site. That’s why you need to establish a theft prevention policy and communicate it to your team.
Be strict in implementing the policy. There should be real consequences too for those employees who commit worksite theft. That way, they will take the system seriously.
Install Security Cameras
Visible security cameras around the construction site are an excellent deterrent for thieves and burglars. The sight of the cameras alone can make people think twice about targeting your construction site. So, make sure that you install security cameras around your area and make them visible. Post signs too that tell people that there are security cameras that record 24/7.
Invest in Tracking Devices
There are different theft-prevention devices that are available in the market today. And there are security devices that can help you solve a case when someone does manage to steal your equipment. Some examples of the latter are tracking devices or recovery system services. Tracking devices can help the police track where stolen equipment is, and even lead them to the thief’s location.
Secure the Perimeter
Fencing is your first line of defense on the construction site. It’s the first hurdle that thieves have to overcome.
Secure the perimeter and place signs around the fencing that will deter burglars from targeting your construction site. Post signs about your surveillance system as well as your alarm system around the site.
Install an Alarm System
The entry points around the construction site are vital areas that burglars and trespassers use for breaking in. Find a way to secure those areas.
You can secure your entry and exit points by installing an alarm system that will monitor those specific parts of the site. They will notify local police and send a message if they detect someone breaking into the construction site.
After installing the alarm system, you have to make sure that you have a DSC alarm battery replacement at the ready. You don’t want to discover that your alarm system isn’t working right when a theft does happen. Always check the battery levels of your current alarm system.
Store Your Equipment in Low-Risk Spots
The more valuable something is, the less you want to expose it to danger. Make sure that you store your construction equipment and other valuables in the lowest-risk places around the site.
If you can’t bring it to a safe, off-site location, place equipment in lower-risk areas around the construction site. You can leave your equipment in storage areas that are the most difficult to get into or have the highest security level.
Keep the Construction Site Well-Lit
Dark areas are where thieves and other ne’er-do-wells like to hide and observe the goings-on in a place. That’s why as much as you can, try and make and keep your construction site as well-lit as possible.
Dark spots are going to be vulnerable areas for you and, depending on your cameras, it can be hard to see surveillance footage there as well.
Keep areas well-lit. You can get motion-activated lights that turn on when someone’s there to scare those who plan on breaking into your site.
Schedule Deliveries on an As-Needed Basis
As much as possible, try and be efficient with your equipment and material deliveries.
If you order too many materials at once, you’re going to leave them lying unused for a while. If you don’t have space, they’re going to be in vulnerable areas for extended periods. That’s why you should schedule deliveries to the site on an as-needed basis.
Keep Detailed Records
Keep detailed records of all that’s going on on the construction site. Not only is that a good habit logistics-wise, but it’s also great for the safety and security of your construction site.
Keep a paper trail of all the materials and supplies, their arrival, time of usage, replacements, and so on. The paper trail will help you know where your materials are going and that none of them went missing right under your nose.
Monitor Job Site Access
Aside from keeping track of materials on your site, you should also monitor people who have access to the job site.
List down the details of those who come in and out of the site. There are technologies that allow users to track the people who enter and leave a location. You can use the information obtained to monitor personnel who use which equipment at what time. If anything untoward happens, you can rely on your database to see who could be responsible.
This is a guest post from Alarm System Store.
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