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Let's Talk Security - Construction
Let’s Talk Security – Protecting construction site assets. Here are some steps M4 Security recommends your company take to reduce theft. Taking these steps can’t guarantee your company will never have anything stolen, but it will go a long way in deterring would-be thieves from targeting your construction site.
Construction site theft is an industry-wide epidemic. In addition to the direct costs of replacing stolen goods, there is also the indirect cost due to increased insurance premiums, rental costs to replace stolen equipment, and lost productivity. Delays in production can also result in hefty fines if deadlines are not met. Industry experts estimate that losses due to construction site theft reach $1 billion or more annually.
Register all tools and equipment. Companies like the National Equipment Register or the Heavy Equipment Registration allow you to register your heavy equipment to aid law enforcement in recovering and returning your stolen. These registers provide free access to law enforcement to aid in the recovery of stolen equipment.
Keep Detailed Equipment Records. Equipment manufacturers adopted a standard worldwide 17-digit product identification number (PIN) system beginning with their year 2000 models. Have this number engraved or bead welded on two separate locations of the equipment, one obvious and one hidden, in order to easily identify your equipment in the event of a theft. Keep records of make, model, and the serial number or PIN along with photos of each piece of equipment from multiple angles.
Conduct background checks. When an employee is hired, an easy and free general background check can quickly be performed by using the State of Maryland Courts website. https://lnkd.in/eXUKNWG7 Background checks are not foolproof but this search can give you an indication of any history of thievery.
Create a zero-tolerance policy for offenders and inform employees and subcontractors that if caught you will prosecute. Work with your security company so they know when workers are allowed to be on the site.
Cut fuel or power supplies on heavy equipment. Heavy equipment is almost impossible to move without power. A fuel pump kill switch is a simple item to install and will ensure any heavy equipment you have to leave on the construction site is more safe from theft. Removing batteries quickly disables power to the equipment.
GPS tracking devices can be easily attached to equipment to facilitate in recovery.
Lock things up at the end of the day. Put up temporary fencing. Make sure your area is well lit. Portable storage units can serve as a spot to store valuable items without having to remove them from the job every night. But keep in mind that unwatched fences can be easily cut. Storage units can often be broken into and sometimes the whole unit it’s self may be removed.
If you are considering a security guard company, reach out to gpearson@m4security.us.
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