Theft and vandalism at home construction sites are a big problem. Thieves target these sites and make off with valuable building materials, which can drive up costs and lead to delays.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, construction site theft costs builders between $1 billion and $4 billion a year in losses that include tools, materials and equipment. Scofflaws inflate the cost of building a new house by as much $4,000. The average loss at construction sites of supplies and tools tops $5,000.
New home construction sites make good targets for thieves because there tends to be a lot of people coming and going from the job site and most sites are also unoccupied. Too many times these sites have no fencing or lack locks on doors that would deter trespassers.
Opportunistic construction-site thieves who live or travel near the construction site can make off with plywood, lumber tools and small equipment. They’ll also steal appliances and big ticket items. No toilet, door, or window is safe from construction-site crooks. To make matters worse, items stolen are rarely, if ever, recovered.
Construction site theft is a crime of opportunity and thieves will strike while it’s dark. An estimated 90 percent of all thefts take place between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday when equipment, tools, and appliances may be left unprotected.
Here are some steps you can take to cut down the risk your job site will become a target:
- Post warning signs. These may deter thieves. Have a local sign shop supply some corrugated warning signs, such as ‘No Trespassing,’ ‘Private Property,’ or ‘Security Cameras in Use.’
- Screen prospective workers. Include subcontractors in your criminal background checks.
- Coordinate deliveries of materials and appliances. Ensure these items arrive close to the time they will be used or installed. Don’t leave items unattended.
- Secure your tools and materials. Equipment left lying around the job site invites a heist. Also, mark and photograph your equipment and record the serial numbers, as you may be able to recover the items.
- Shine a light on the problem. Darkness is a thief’s best friend.
- Install fencing. Setting clear boundaries is crucial for controlling access to the job site and notifying trespassers they will face prosecution if caught.
- Install an alarm system. When you consider the potential losses and a likely increase in your company’s insurance premiums, an alarm system is a cost-effective solution. Few thieves will stick around once the alarm sounds.
- Employ security guards. This is one of the most effective means of reducing or preventing construction site theft as nothing beats an onsite patrol.
You don’t have to be a victim of construction site theft. Simple measures such as these will greatly reduce your risk of on-site theft. And for the soon-to-be homeowner, you can also insure your home during construction. This will cover any damage to your new house while it’s being built.