As someone who works in the construction industry, you are probably keenly aware of how tempting the job site is for criminals. Construction zones tend to be chock full of expensive heavy equipment as well as tools and other building-related supplies that burglars want to steal and then resell.
Unfortunately, as Construct Connect notes, less than 25 percent of stolen construction equipment is recovered each year. In addition to the cost of replacing stolen items, business owners must spend hours filing police reports, insurance claims and related paperwork.
Enhancing construction jobsite security is crucial, and exploring comprehensive solutions such as Austin commercial security systems can provide valuable insights into effective perimeter reinforcement strategies.
In order to reduce the chances of having your job site burglarized and/or vandalized, it is important to take several steps to secure its perimeter. Here’s how to do so:
Invest in Security Cameras
One of the best ways to improve security on a construction site is by investing in high quality security cameras that can be monitored 24/7. One of the unique and challenging features of a construction site is that it is not easily closed up or locked up at night. A large and sprawling jobsite may be surrounded by a chain link fence that is easy to climb and difficult to monitor. But thanks to security camera technology like mobile surveillance units, you can keep an electronic eye on the site from virtually anywhere.
A mobile surveillance system can record what is going on at the site, and can also be supplemented with motion detection cameras, pan/tilt/zoom cameras, license plate recognition features and more. If this type of camera system detects something amiss at your construction site, it can be activated to send an alarm to the security camera’s command center, which will then notify authorities. You can also keep tabs on your site remotely from any location, thanks to online connectivity of the mobile surveillance system. By posting signs and making it obvious that you have security cameras on site, it can also act as a deterrent to thieves.
Use Lots of Lighting
A dark construction site is a perfect place for vandals and thieves to hide. To discourage this sort of criminal activity, keep the jobsite as well lit as possible, especially around the perimeter. Add in motion-activated lights around the entire site; this can be an effective deterrent against burglary. If the budget allows, you can also add spotlights at certain entry points of the jobsite, including gates—these lights can remain on at all hours of the night.
Consider a Stronger and Higher Fence
To increase the security on a construction site, perimeter fencing needs to enclose the entire area, including any storage units and work trailers. Also, the fencing that you choose must do two jobs: it must keep bad guys out and—if they do manage to scale the fence—it must limit their ability to take equipment and tools from the site. Fortify a traditional chain link fence with barbed or razor wire on top, and/or add an alarm to the fence that will sound loudly when it detects someone trying to cut through the wire. When choosing fencing, purchase the tallest option you can afford and add locks to any entrance areas.
Be Proactive with Security
Don’t wait for expensive construction equipment to be stolen before taking steps to secure a construction site. By being proactive and focusing your money and security products on the perimeter of your jobsite, you should see a reduction in break-ins, theft and vandalism.
