Construction theft continues to be a major issue across North America as builders feel the harmful effects of stolen tools, materials, and lost production time. What can be done to help secure these sites and protect from further losses?
Construction theft continues
Earlier this year, we noted that the theft of construction site tools had been an ongoing and increasing issue throughout last year for construction companies.
Through the first quarter of 2023, construction site theft continues to be a progressing issue for builders of all kinds, as evidenced by recent reports of theft across the country.
These thefts can range from large machinery to smaller hand tools, and even materials needed for the overall construction project. A recent police investigation in Ontario, Canada assisted in the recovery of over $70,000 in stolen items such as tool kits, saws, lathes and more. Although the criminals were eventually apprehended, these thefts will lead to project downtime, as construction companies work to replace stolen assets or materials, which delay project completion, and push timelines out even further. (1)
In another incident an orange telehandler, a very large and expensive piece of machine equipment worth an estimated $80,000, was stolen from a construction site. Even though the entire theft was captured by traditional video surveillance, a proactive approach to deterring and preventing the crime was absent, because the video feeds were not live monitored. This type of security system only produces evidence for crimes that have already taken place. (2)
How can construction site theft be prevented?
Construction sites require a robust security solution to cover all the angles needed for ample protection. Our multi-level approach to security starts with the use of ‘No Trespassing’ signs along the perimeter of a site as a first level of defense, followed by the deployment of our proprietary and proven Video Security Units.
Our innovative Pole Unit is equipped with two high resolution stationary cameras that are used to establish perimeter coverage and situational awareness, with additional cameras easily added for further coverage.
The system also comes standard equipped with a high-resolution PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera which allows our Remote Video Monitoring Team to zoom in on important details, such as suspect descriptions, identifying markings, and vehicle descriptions while actively surveilling the site. Our video monitoring units are durable and modular, and can be mounted in a variety of vantage points while withstanding the harsh environmental factors of construction dust and inclement weather.
The live feed from these cameras is transmitted via patented Cellular LTE technology to our UC & ULC Certified Live Monitoring Facility, where operators monitor the site, issue deterrents when they notice suspicious activity, and contact Police when necessary. Proactive deterrents include a live communications speaker and high-visibility LED strobe light, which historically produce a 98% crime deterrence rate.
Next-gen technology developed to stop construction site theft
Wireless Security through our proprietary LTE cellular platform
Many construction sites lack the communications infrastructure to host a wired security solution. This is why our patented video security unit and its integrated components transmit over a proprietary LTE cellular platform. There’s no need for a traditional hard-wired connection. Once the security unit has been set up, it instantly connects to the cellular platform and begins transmitting the video feed to our monitoring center.
This cellular technology allows our units to operate independently, so if one unit fails, the other units are not affected, eliminating the single point of failure common in most security systems.
Advanced Artificial Intelligence Network
Artificial intelligence has become a key component of our security units and how security alerts are provided to our live remote monitoring operators. Through the use of proprietary AI technology, we’ve developed the ability to properly identify and distinguish people from other moving items on a site. This technology adds a level of efficiency and effectiveness not available with traditional camera analytics. It allows monitoring operators to focus on what’s important — human detection and the deterrence of crime.
syncroReports For Remote Site Management
Construction clients can also view live camera feeds of their site at any time through our proprietary syncroReports platform. Throughout the entire construction process, live video feeds can be viewed to track workers’ arrivals and departures, as well as deliveries and all other forms of activity with the click of a button.
Remote site management is just an added benefit of using syncroMonitoring’s proprietary security solutions. We keep your site secure while helping you manage your project and streamline business operations.
Construction sites are busy thoroughfares of workers and vehicles coming and going at all times. Our license plate reader cameras can help identify construction workers arriving on site, as well as delivery vehicles or contractors. It captures the alphanumerical values on a plate and converts them to data, storing them in our proprietary license plate database – syncroPlates.
Clients can view images of vehicles and license plates in real-time, through the syncroReports dashboard. This feature also allows you to blacklist or whitelist vehicles, for an added level of protection and site management.
Mobile Security Unit for early stages of project completion
A construction project has many phases, from initial excavation to the finished building. Effective security solutions are needed throughout each phase, and our Mobile Security Unit can be an important first step in establishing video security coverage for a project.
Once deployed in the field, our Mobile Unit provides the same level security services as our stationary units, but with the added flexibility of easy re-deployment to new areas when site conditions change.
Using a Telescopic mast, the cameras can reach up to 23 feet high to provide a bird’s eye view of the area. These solar powered units operate in a completely wireless environment, without the need for electrical power, or other infrastructure. This is key in providing a reliable security solution in the early stages of a construction project.
Theft is a serious matter for many construction companies across North America. Our proactive security approach safeguards valuable assets and helps deliver a project on time by preventing loss of materials and tools, and stopping thieves in their tracks.
Resources:
- “OPP recover more than $70K in stolen goods in Hastings county”, Paul Soucy, Global News, December 21, 2022
- “Kelowna RCMP seeking public’s help to solve construction site theft”, Doyle Potenteau, Global News, March 22, 2023