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As part of our research into how we can serve your needs better, we make it a point to regularly visit contractors at their jobsites. On one recent occasion, I inadvertently entered the building site from the opposite side and didn’t immediately see the job trailer. This meant walking around the unfinished building, past unattended equipment and trucks filled with tools and materials. Although I was wearing a company-issued hard hat, I was clearly not an employee, yet no one questioned or seemed concerned about my presence.

It occurred to me later how easy it would have been for me to pick up a tool and leave, or even climb into the cab of a machine and do some damage. Now granted, most theft and/or vandalism occurs after hours. But when crews are busy and preoccupied, and vehicles and equipment are constantly moving in and out, it’s not inconceivable for it to occur even in broad daylight.

The point here is it pays to take precautions at all times. Construction theft and vandalism have become common occurrences, and hold the potential to cost your company thousands of dollars annually if left unchecked.

Prior to starting work, it’s important to develop a customized security plan for each project. During pre-construction planning, assess the security risks at that particular location. Consider area crime rates, the amount of pedestrian traffic, lighting around the site perimeter and other factors that could exacerbate security concerns.

Determine if it’s necessary (or practical) to place a fence around the site. If so, a guard should be posted at all entrances to ensure only authorized personnel gain entry, and entrances should be properly secured at the end of each work day. If a fence is not used, workers should be instructed to question anyone not recognizable as an employee or sub.