Job site theft is a rampantly growing problem that costs the construction industry more than $1 billion a year, according to the National Equipment Registry. The organization is devoted to assisting law enforcement in tracking down stolen construction equipment.
The painful truth is that tools, machines and materials left un-monitored in publicly accessible areas for extended periods of time have been found to be too great a temptation for some to resist. Theft, no matter where it happens, is a crime of opportunity. Here are some ways to avoid it.
How You Can Prevent Job Site Theft
1) Don’t leave your equipment or tools unattended for extended periods of time – especially over the weekend and during holidays. Consider hiring a security guard for these periods of time or taking the equipment with you.
2) If have no choice but to leave your equipment and/or tools at the job site, make them hard to move, by chaining equipment and locking tools in a heavy duty construction lock box. Remove keys from machinery.
3) Install temporary fencing around the job site that is high enough to deter thieves from climbing over. Action Barricade LLC. has many types of fencing available for you to choose from.
4) Post well-marked “No Trespassing” signs. You can also post signs that say job site under surveillance. Post these signs in various places throughout your job site for optimal effectiveness.
5) Most thefts occur at night, so keep the job site well lit by installing motion sensor lights around the site’s perimeter, and in areas where your equipment is being stored.
6) Practice just-in-time delivery. The National Association of Home Builders recommends that you plan your material deliveries carefully as to minimize the quantity of valuable materials left on the site.
7) Mark, photograph, record and register serial numbers found on your machines and tools. If a theft does occur, this will provide critical information for both a police report and an insurance claim.
8) Protect yourself against losses by having adequate insurance coverage. You may want to consider looking into additional coverage should you lose income, as well as equipment rental coverage.
Action Barricade Co. 