In your security career, you may be surprised to learn that there is a lot of opportunity to provide security measures for construction sites. Billions of dollars worth of materials and equipment are stolen from construction sites annually, which can cause financial problems for the construction company and delay their projects. For these reasons, many construction companies rely on security professionals to secure their sites and protect their assets. If you think that construction site security is something you might be interested in pursuing in your security career, keep on reading!
Why Construction Sites are Easy Targets
Construction sites are full of valuable materials and equipment – so they are easy targets for potential thieves and vandals. They are also typically out in the open in highly trafficked places, meaning they are highly visible to anyone in the area – including criminals. These sites are also easy to spot, attracting (often unwanted) attention.
6 Tips for Securing Construction Sites
The nature of construction sites makes them easy targets, there’s no getting around that – which is why having security measures in place is crucial. Let’s go over 6 steps that security professionals can take to secure and protect various construction sites from theft, vandalism, and other criminal activity.
1. Security Locks and Fences
This is a basic but important step that construction sites should consider. Fences and locks are not the most sophisticated security measures, but they are effective! These things alone can help deter theft as it creates a physical barrier between possible criminals and the valuable materials and equipment on the construction site. Even for lower-level crimes like vandalism, something as simple as a fence and security lock can prevent damage to expensive construction equipment.
Learn more: Security Operations: Keys and Locks
2. Surveillance Equipment and Personnel
There are a few reasons why having surveillance equipment, and personnel is beneficial to the security measures of a construction site. Firstly, they act as a visual deterrent to potential thieves and vandals. It’s also beneficial to have eyes, whether they’re human or not, on the site at all times. This way, there’s always some idea of what’s happening on the site, even when the site is closed for the day.
Learn more: Security Operations: CCTV Systems
3. Anti-theft Signage
Signage may not seem like the most imposing form of security, but it is still an effective deterrent. Signage that clearly states the punishment, possible jail time, and fines that thieves and vandals face can make a would-be criminal think twice before doing something illegal.
4. Equipment Inventory
It’s a good idea generally to keep a record of the materials and equipment on a construction site – but it’s especially helpful in the case that anything is damaged or stolen. Register these items with an insurance agency or local law enforcement so that there is a record of serial numbers, license plates, or other identifying features associated with the equipment on-site.
5. Lighting
Many criminals like to strike at night, so they are more easily concealed in the dark – so installing proper lighting on the construction site is a very effective security measure. Thieves and vandals don’t want to be spotted, and in a well-lit area, it’s more likely that they will be caught. This acts as another preventative measure so that the threat of theft and vandalism is less likely to be an issue.
Learn more: Security Operations: Security Lighting
6. Alarm Systems
If all preventative measures have failed and a thief finds their way onto a site, this is when it’s a good idea to install an alarm system. Potential thieves and vandals can be scared off with sensor-activated sirens and flashing lights, preventing them from stealing or damaging anything. Or, some sites may decide that a silent alarm is a better option. The criminal will not detect these alarms, but they will alert the site manager and local authorities.
Learn more: Security Operations: Intrusion Detection
Securing a construction site can help save money for companies and keep large-scale construction projects on track. It takes a professional, and it is an incredibly rewarding job. If you are an aspiring security professional interested in helping keep construction sites secure, check out our online training for security guards! We can give you the essential skills that you need to perform the duties needed in your security career.
You might also like:
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.
