Why Construction Site Theft is a Huge Concern

Being a general contractor requires a lot of management, specifically of people and materials. Construction projects may require hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars worth of materials. Many people know this and will go to great lengths to steal these materials and potentially use them for their project or sell them for a profit.

Construction sites are littered with high-value items that are easy to steal. Plus, these sites are not very secure, especially at night. There are no workers or security guards around, plus construction sites are often poorly lit with no surveillance cameras or other anti-theft devices.

Construction site theft has been on the rise since COVID. The pandemic caused lumber production to slow down. However, this led to a demand for housing. The low supply and high demand for lumber resulted in price increases. This has led to an increase in theft, as lumber is valuable and easy to resell.

Construction theft is a huge concern. It is a major inconvenience that can cause a lot of havoc, especially if you can’t work because half of your equipment or materials have been stolen. Theft can lead to delays, which can ruin your relationships with clients and subcontractors. Theft can also negatively affect team morale and cause distrust among employees.

There are huge costs involved. Construction site theft costs the industry as much as $1 billion every year. There’s a huge chance you won’t get your materials back, as the recovery rate is less than 30%. Because of this, construction site theft prevention is a proactive action you need to take. Here are strategies to consider.

Focus on Theft Prevention Policies 

Get a security plan in place. Make sure all employees know the policy. Make sure they understand what is allowed and what is not. They should also understand your physical security system.

Secure Your Site

Surveillance cameras can be helpful to some degree, but you need more. Consider a perimeter security fence. Portable electric fences are also good for temporary job sites. Lighting is another important security measure. Thieves like to work in the dark, so the more you can illuminate your equipment, the more likely you can thwart any attempts to steal.

Invest in locked gates. Also, you should put up “No Trespassing” signs to make the site less attractive to thieves.

Secure Your Equipment

The goal is to make it difficult for theft to occur. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. Remove  batteries and wheels from equipment. Lock up your materials. Use chains or temporary storage such as locked storage boxes and cargo trailers with tamper-resistant locks and chains. Keep valuable items in a designated, well-lit area.

Contact Us Today

Contractors have a lot to worry about on their job sites. They need to protect not only their employees but also their property.

Get the help you need from the Florida contractor representation lawyers from Linkhorst Law Firm. We provide sound legal guidance and strong representation in construction disputes. To schedule a consultation, call 561-626-8880 or fill out the online form.

Source:

amarok.com/blog/why-construction-site-theft-is-a-much-bigger-problem-than-you-thought/