Construction Site Security – A guide to securing your building site

Construction sites are prime targets for criminals and are prone to several vulnerabilities, all of which can be protected with effective security measures.

One item that is always at a high risk of theft is machinery. Theft of machinery such as backhoes, generators and excavators can be called ‘Low Risk’ by criminals for a number of reasons. Construction sites are often easy to access, especially if a site has light security, meaning that criminals are less likely to be caught. Second, machinery themselves have very few security features. Some may have a one-key fits all ignition system making them easy targets. Unlike other vehicles, construction vehicles are not registered and when stolen can make them difficult to track, making them easy to sell on with very little consequences.

With the price of metals increasing, the risk of them being stolen also increases. Copper tubing and wire cable, in particular, have been targeted by thieves. Fuel too has been a target for criminals – whether it’s been stolen from storage tanks or from the vehicles themselves.

When construction sites have been left unattended for a period of time, they can become targets for vandalism and arson attacks. Both of these can occur for a number of reasons, notably political objections to the site’s construction or just a desire to cause violence.

Constructions sites aren’t always creating new buildings. When construction is taking place on an existing building, there is a risk of intruders breaking in throughout the building site, which may create new points of entry or compromise existing ones.

To help determine which of these threats a building site is particularly vulnerable to, construction managers should carry out a thorough risk assessment. For each potential threat, managers should rate the site and determine which areas are in most need of protection. The best way to identify these areas is to have an onsite-security survey by a security expert.  A&R security services offer a range of security services including manned guarding and mobile security, creating an effective deterrent to any criminals.  

It’s important that Construction sites should go through the appropriate lengths to keep their site secure from criminals. Thankfully there are extensive and effective measures that can be put in place to keep your site protected.

So, what measures can be put in place?

Security guards are an effective way of deterring any potential criminal activity. Having security guards not only allows you to place them in areas that are likely to be entered by criminals, but you can also have them patrol the site – covering all areas. This is especially helpful overnight or when the site is unattended for a period of time.  We at A&R Security services can provide manned guarding services to properties that require guarding 24/7, deterring any criminals from attempting to vandalise or steal from your site. 

CCTV is frequently used by all business especially ones that are in retail. CCTV can be used as an effective deterrent for a construction site-based crime. Placing security cameras around the perimeter of a building site will discourage criminals but also identify any who to try to either vandalise or steal from your site.

CCTV can be an effective way for Security guards to monitor but also rapidly respond to any infiltrations. CCTV can also be used in court to help prosecute any offenders who manage to steal or damage the site.

Lighting may not be always associated with security, but it can make a huge difference to the safety of a construction site. Illuminating areas such as site entrances at all times for smaller sites – with larger sites illuminating areas that can act as entry points can discourage criminals from potentially intruding on your site.  Illuminating areas can also help CCTV and Security guards identify perpetrators or other threats that are on your construction site.

Although security alarms are normally installed permanently to protect properties, temporary burglar arms are highly effective in securing construction sites.  Larger sites can benefit from intruder alarms, which will draw guards’ or workers attention to a break-in that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Installing a burglar alarm during the construction phase will provide you with the option to easily repurpose it later.  A&R Security Services can install but also remotely monitor your alarm systems and respond to any intrusions on your property.

Ideally, the exterior of a construction site should be so secure that specific on-site security measures wouldn’t be needed. However, ensuring optimum safety is important to give vehicles, fuel stores and other on-site equipment their own protection. Larger machinery such as tower cranes should be secured at the base with a combination of lock and padlocks. Secure safes can also be used to secure keys to vehicles or important documents that may need to be kept onsite 24-7. 

A&R Security Services offer a range of security services that can be tailored to your business needs. If you would like to find out more about our services or would like a quote call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website