Stopping Jobsite Theft

Construction businesses are at a heightened risk of jobsite theft, as expensive tools and machinery are attractive targets for criminals. Theft of construction materials can substantially disrupt a project, leading to delays and significant financial losses; therefore, it is essential for companies to understand how to prevent these incidents.

Although every jobsite has its own unique challenges, basic strategies to prevent theft include the following:

• Create a written security policy and jobsite security plan that assigns supervisory responsibilities, encourages awareness, and establishes best practices for securing tools, equipment and materials.
• Contact local law enforcement officials at the beginning of a new project so they can help monitor the jobsite, especially after hours.
• Establish procedures for employees to report theft or suspicious activity and maintain detailed records of security incidents.
• Conduct thorough background checks on employees before hiring them and keep a list of people authorized to be on a jobsite.
• Secure the worksite with a security fence, camera, lockable gates, and security guards, and keep it well-lit.
• Train employees on how to store materials and equipment properly.
• Check the jobsite at the beginning and end of each day to ensure nothing is missing.
• Maintain detailed inventories that include photos of valuable equipment and important information (e.g., serial numbers, dates of purchase).
• Mark and label all tools distinctively for easy identification.
• Implement a checkout system for tools and equipment to track their whereabouts.
• Remove unnecessary tools and materials from a jobsite to reduce items thieves may target.

If a jobsite theft does occur, it is critical to report it to the authorities. Although they may not always be able to recover stolen items, reporting losses allows them to establish a pattern that may help solve future cases or prevent them from occurring. The reports should include as much detail as possible about the incident (e.g., when it took place and what was stolen).

Additionally, a business should promptly report thefts to their insurance provider so the insurer can respond quickly and begin the claims process. The insurance professional can also offer more information on available policies so a construction business can secure coverage that best fits its needs.

Conclusion

Although theft might be difficult to predict, several controls can be implemented by construction operations to protect their property and mitigate their risks.