Construction companies and their job sites can be prime places for theft and vandalism, from expensive equipment and copper wire and pipes that thieves would love to get their hands on, to vandals who simply want to destroy the property of others. As the owner of a construction company, you want to do everything you can to safeguard every job site and make it difficult for criminals to get in.
Securing a construction site requires a multi-faceted approach with several key components in place. Consider the following three ways to safeguard your business:
Invest in a Construction Security System
One of the best ways to increase a construction site’s security is by investing in various surveillance units. Some security companies offer construction site security camera rental programs that allow you to use their state-of-the-art systems for as long as the project is taking place. Mobile surveillance units are also available — portable security stations that can be positioned anywhere within the job site. This means they can be set up in places where burglars are not likely to notice them. One of the many benefits of a portable security station is that they can run on solar power or a generator — this is ideal for construction sites that do not necessarily have electricity. You can use the units to monitor the job site after hours and receive a live video feed from virtually any location. From a small commercial project to a larger condo and everything in between, a construction security system will help to safeguard against theft and vandalism.
Secure Your Equipment
The last thing you want is to show up in the morning at your site only to find that your most expensive backhoe is gone. In addition to having to hassle with insurance claims, replacing the equipment will be expensive and it will probably set your schedule back a few days. To prevent equipment theft from happening, you want to make it as difficult as possible for thieves to take it. Secure all heavy equipment that remains on the job site 24/7 by removing the batteries or wheels, and invest in some simple locks that will immobilize the controls. You can also add ignition cut-off switches and install GPS tracking devices in the equipment. That way, if it does leave the job site, you can easily track where it has gone and hopefully help the police catch the burglars in the process.
Coordinate Your Deliveries
As you know quite well, job sites are like beehives, filled with activity at all times. This flurry of action can mean that certain deliveries get placed outside of fences and gates; in some cases, delivery companies may drop off palettes of supplies very early in the morning before anyone has arrived. To help make sure that your deliveries are not stolen, plan their arrivals as much as you can. Use a software program to keep tabs on when deliveries are expected to take place, and then make sure you or one of your supervisors is on site to receive it. Also, if a certain delivery company routinely leaves your deliveries in an unsecured place, give the company a call and ask to update your shipping label with info that will help guide the delivery person to the proper drop off location.
With a solid combination of proactive and smart practices like a security system that lets you keep a watchful eye on your site at all times and a more organized delivery schedule, to making it hard for bad guys to drive off with your front loaders and back hoes at 2 a.m., there are many ways to help safeguard your construction site.
