Did you know that over $46 million worth of heavy equipment is reported stolen from construction sites each year in Canada? Add to that the theft of tools, small equipment, machinery, and building materials, including metal and copper, and it’s no wonder that construction theft has become an industry-wide epidemic.
A more encouraging statistic from DOZR.com from a study of 422 burglaries indicated that 60% of thieves say they generally avoid sites equipped with security cameras, and half of them said they would abandon their mission if they realized there were security cameras during an attempted burglary.
So, beyond the obvious costs associated with vandalism or theft of equipment and materials on construction sites, and the proven deterrent value of having surveillance cameras, why is it important to monitor a construction site? Our team of surveillance specialists based in Montreal, here at VigiMotion, shares some insights on the key benefits of ensuring that construction sites are well monitored against theft and vandalism.
Vandalism and theft on construction sites are costly in more ways than one. Not only does the value of stolen equipment, tools, or materials hurt the budget, but damage to infrastructure and remaining property can also result in a major loss. And when you factor in the wasted time it takes to replace items, reorder equipment, and reschedule contractors and crews, the loss of revenue due to vandalism and theft on construction sites can sink entire projects and leave them in the hole. Literally!
When tools and equipment disappear or are damaged on a construction site, construction deadlines can be delayed by several hours or days. Worse still, if heavy equipment or specialized machinery is damaged or stolen, it can take weeks or even months to find a suitable replacement, and the knock-on effect of these delays can be catastrophic for construction budgets, schedules, and ultimately the delivery of a project to the client.
Construction sites are popular targets for potential thieves for many reasons. The high value of equipment, tools, and materials located on construction sites are tempting for burglars who break into construction sites with the intent to steal, ranging from building materials, vehicles, and even scaffolding and cranes. Copper wiring and metal are particularly vulnerable to theft due to their high value, exposure, and ease of transport, as well as the possibility of quick and easy resale without any tracking protocols to manage.
The fact that construction sites are often abandoned during off-peak hours and located in remote areas where neighboring properties are not yet built or are in similar stages of construction makes them a low-risk target for potential thieves. Furthermore, the fact that construction sites in the initial stages are not equipped with electricity or protective walls, doors, and windows makes it necessary to protect the site with motion detectors, lighting, and surveillance cameras to guard against thieves and vandals.
Advances in surveillance technology make it possible to monitor construction sites even in the early stages of construction when there is no electricity on site. Unlike traditional alarm systems, VigiMotion’s 100% wireless, solar-powered, stand-alone alarm systems, for example, instantly relay a short video clip to show you what triggered an alarm using sensors that detect unusual movement. With 24-hour operators at the monitoring station, law enforcement agencies are able to respond quickly to thwart thieves or vandals.
Video surveillance of construction sites also helps protect your teams and contractors against false accusations of misuse or theft of tools, equipment, and materials on site. Having “eyes” on the site at all times can provide valuable documentation of activities and personnel movements in cases of suspected misconduct.
If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then investing in construction site surveillance is worth its weight in gold when it comes to keeping your construction project on schedule and on budget. When it comes to loss prevention and risk management strategies to protect your job site from thieves and vandals, it’s vital to work with the best in the field to protect your investment.
With over 23 years of expertise in commercial, industrial, and institutional security, the VigiMotion team can offer exceptional site protection services with solutions tailored to the specific needs of your construction site.