3 Hacks for Avoiding Burglaries at a Construction Site

According to statistics provided by the University of Albany’s Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, it is estimated that over $1 billion worth of construction materials, equipment, and tools is stolen at US construction sites every year. Some estimates have said that this number could actually be as high as $4 billion.

With these numbers in mind, it is clear that there is a major problem with thefts at construction sites in the United States and throughout the rest of the world. So, what is being done to help with this issue and stop the burglaries? Well, in many cases, not enough.

To help make sure that you are doing what you can to protect your materials, tools, and equipment, here is a look at three hacks that can help you avoid burglaries at your construction site.

Keep a Detailed Inventory List

One of the biggest mistakes that contractors make in regards to keeping their equipment safe is that they do not create a detailed inventory list. Unfortunately, if you don’t do this, it is almost impossible for law enforcement to assist you in the event that a burglary does occur.

When you create your inventory list, be sure that you include serial numbers and model numbers for each tool, appliance, and piece of equipment that is being kept at your construction site. This information will be necessary in order to file a police report and to receive assistance from law enforcement.

Having this list will also help you to identify that materials, tools, or equipment are, in fact, missing. This can help you save time as you will prevent yourself from having to wonder whether or not you’ve misplaced or forgot to bring a specific tool or piece of equipment to the work site.

Properly Secure Everything When Not in Use

When you’re not using tools or equipment, they should be locked away in a secure location so that they can only be retrieved by the individual/s that will be using them. It is generally a good idea to have some type of storage shed on the site, and that you secure this shed with a strong, high quality lock box.

To avoid potential issues with securing your tools and equipment, it is highly recommended that you also have a solid “check in and check out” system. While you will want this system to be practical for work efficiency purposes, it should be detailed enough to ensure effective security measures are in place.

Keep the Construction Site Well-Lit

One of the most common tips for helping homeowners avoid break-ins is to trick burglars into thinking that they are at the home. Doing so generally involves leaving several lights on throughout the home. This same advice can be used for those looking to prevent construction site burglaries.

While it may be difficult to trick potential intruders into thinking that there is always someone working at the construction site, keeping the site well-lit can definitely serve as a way to discourage a burglary.

Timed lights are best, as they can be more effective in creating the illusion that someone is at the site. It is especially critical that you keep access points and entry ways as well-lit as possible.