Losses from theft and vandalism suffered by the UK’s construction industry have been estimated at £400 million per annum.

That equates to a cool £1 million every day.

Construction sites can be soft targets for thieves. Constant staff turnover means that it’s often difficult to maintain effective security records, while the notably high value of plant and equipment will realise immediate profits for the serious, organised criminal (‘Building blocks’, pp45-46).

Inevitably, the perpetrators of such crime plan their evil deeds well in advance. They’ll not be averse to ‘tapping up’ construction workers who, lured by the bait of ‘easy money’, readily divulge security patrol times or perhaps details of what aggregate materials are on site and where.

Given the latest statistics on plant and equipment theft issued by the National Plant and Equipment Register – detailing losses to be at an all-time high – it’s pretty clear that protection policies have to be tightened. And fast.

First, security measures must be discussed at the top level by every construction contractor in conjunction with their security services provider. Individual members of staff should be made personally responsible for company equipment they use. If equipment is then lost through negligence or sheer carelessness, the ensuing disciplinary action needs to bite.

Position the site office in an area with limited access for the opportunist thief. Mark all office equipment (including fax machines, computers and telephones) with indelible solutions, perhaps by ‘branding’ with the company logo.

Make sure that, if items of plant have been ordered from a hire company, there is a trustworthy manager on site at all times to accept delivery. Be wary of anyone offering plant for sale, particularly if they have no proof of ownership.

Out of working hours, store all plant and equipment in a secure compound. It should be immobilised using security locks, rings or ground fixings.

The Utilities Plant Theft Scheme boasts a system which records details of members’ stolen items on computer. The scheme also runs periodic stock checks of hired plant. Any cross-matches are referred to relevant parties for further enquiries and, if necessary, to the police for investigation.

Theft across the construction sector is insidious, leading to job losses and the funding of other forms of organised crime. Remember... If it’s on site, keep it in sight... and secure.

Source

SMT