Construction materials are a popular target for thieves. Copper, wiring, even drywall are oftentimes an easy target, taken right off the job site.

While it’s difficult to nail down concrete figures, the National Equipment Register (NER) estimates the value of construction equipment stolen each year is somewhere between $300 million to $1 billion. That estimate is for equipment only and doesn’t include tools and building materials which are often easy targets for thieves. (source: Construct Connect)

A lot of this theft takes place on larger build sites (residential, commercial and industrial). Smaller project sites are also at risk for theft and vandalism. Keep this in mind when you add-on to your home, replace yard fencing or your roof, or build out your deck/patio.

Why are thieves paying attention to job sites?:

• Copper is valuable: While it currently is fluctuating considerably due to the coronavirus impact on markets, copper has recently been expensive, making it a hot commodity for thieves. It is also easily available on many construction sites in the piping, wiring and fixtures, which are frequently left unattended.
• It’s so easy: Building materials are often left out, either within the framework of the new construction or in the yard, with little monitoring.
• Vacancy: Depending on the size and scope of your renovations, you may not be living onsite during the construction period. As a result, your home becomes more susceptible to intrusion, simply by being empty.
• Tracking who is authorized to be there: When construction is taking place, neighbors almost expect to see workers and strangers around your home. This makes it easy for someone who may not belong there to approach your home.

OK, so what do we do about this? Below are three quick tips.

One: Secure Your Site and Materials

Lock it down! Always lock your property before leaving it. Construction sites can be easy targets. The main reason is that they typically lack proper security and loss prevention practices. (Source: The Balance Small Business)

If making renovations to entranceways, consider door and window guards as placeholders in the empty spaces until final products are installed, instead of leaving the property open. These metal frames sit in place of the door or window, as a way to deter break in and intrusion.

If materials need to reside outside of the home—in the yard for example, lock them up individually or put security sensors on them to trigger an alarm if disturbed.

Two: Consider Video Monitor Placement

Video monitoring lets you keep an eye on your property from afar simply by logging into the cameras via your smartphone or web browser. This way, you can check in at regular intervals, even if you aren’t always on site.

For added security, you can sync with motion-triggered sensors (attached to your building supplies) to get notified via email or text if anything is amiss. Videos are also archived, should an incident occur and you need to refer back later.

Three: Keep Your Neighbors Informed

Talk with those in close proximity to your site. You may want to tell them the names of the construction companies that you contracted and what their uniforms look like (if applicable). Give them a heads-up on days when you expect work to take place.

It may be that you are doing the project alone. Let your neighbors know that, too. This will help them notice if something doesn’t look right.

Sadly recovery is not the usual outcome when materials or heavy equipment turns up missing. Slightly less than 10 percent of stolen machinery is returned to its owner. (source: Construction Equipment). Let’s not let that happen to you and your project!

Reach out to Upgrade Security Solutions for a smart video monitoring installing for your site.