Expensive tools, heavy machinery and valuable materials can all be found on the construction jobsite, attracting individuals looking to steal and resell for quick cash. In fact, more than 11,000 thefts and thousands of commercial break-ins are reported annually. The total financial loss exceeds $1billion every year.
While theft is common across all jobsites, those in rural locations tend to be more appealing to criminals and present their own set of challenges. Critical vulnerabilities, including a lack of lighting, public surveillance and delayed law enforcement response times, make rural sites more susceptible to theft and vandalism.
Geographic isolation gives offenders the time and autonomy to steal heavy machinery, strip copper, injure themselves or vandalize equipment. This not only poses a threat to your inventory but also exposes your company to project delays, financial liability, potential injury and damaged equipment that may not be covered by insurance.
By implementing a layered approach with the right security equipment and a proactive plan, you can turn any vulnerable, rural jobsite into a harder-to-hit target that offenders would rather bypass.
Install the Right Cameras
Video surveillance is critical for rural construction projects, and the good news is that nowadays, it’s more advanced than ever. Catching someone vandalizing or stealing isn’t difficult when there’s video surveillance of them in the act.
Solar-powered cameras are a great option, especially for those areas with adequate sunlight. They don’t require a traditional power source and can run all day and night.
Jason Fischbeck, the owner of Automated Environments, a smart technology company in Mesa, Arizona, explains that solar cameras are a great option for rural construction projects.
“Solar cameras are self-sustaining devices that store energy and charge the battery in the daytime and operate using stored energy at night,” Fischbeck says. “It runs without a generator and reliably stores power and stays on at night.”
It’s also a good idea to have cameras with motion detection sensors. Many of these now have advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. People mistakenly believe that you need Wi-Fi or an internet connection for them to work. In actuality, they often can run on a cellular network. They can also be connected to Starlink, a satellite internet constellation popular for providing connectivity in rural areas.
Have Efficient Communication
One of the most efficient ways to keep a jobsite safe is through effective communication. If an emergency occurs, you want your team to communicate and act fast.
Stewart McClintic, the owner of HQ98, a two-way radio retailer in Scottsdale, suggests two-way radios are a great communication tool for jobsite security.
“In an emergency, you need your security team quickly communicating,” McClintic says. “You won’t have time to dial a cell phone or text each other what’s going on. You need a device with instant push-to-talk communication.”
He explains that you should use LTE Push-to-Talk Systems for flexibility and connectivity, enabling your onsite security team to communicate effectively with one another and with workers at the jobsite.
“These radios are great because they can handle a large range,” says McClintic. “And they require very minimal cell signal.”
He also says that if the jobsite doesn’t have any cell signal at all, traditional UHF radios are a great option. They operate on radio frequencies and don’t require a cellular or internet connection.
“These are great for jobs in rural areas,” he says. “Traditional radios are great when there is absolutely no cell signal to be had.”
Have an Onsite Security Presence
You shouldn’t rely solely on cameras on your jobsite; a physical security presence is important as well. The last thing you want is thieves and/or vandals stealing and/or destroying equipment while the cameras are watching and notifying people who are too far away to do anything.
It typically takes first responders at least 15-30 minutes to reach rural emergencies, sometimes even hours depending on the severity of the call. This is enough time for criminals to get in, do what they came to do and get out.
The number of guards you need depends on the size of the project. Your security company can help guide you; however, a good rule of thumb is that each guard should take no more than about 30-60 minutes to patrol their area. If the project is large enough, investing in a golf cart or UTV to help them get around is helpful.
Invest in Proper Fencing
Proper fencing and signage are important for any rural construction project. If someone enters your site and is injured, there could be significant liability—even if the individual entered unlawfully.
Make sure you have the proper fencing and that it’s installed properly. Invest in a chain-link security fence that goes around the perimeter. It needs to be at least six-feet tall, so it’s difficult for people to climb over.
Regularly inspect these fences, making sure the panels are solid, the fences are sturdy and they haven’t been cut into. Additionally, for liability and safety reasons, you need to have visible danger and construction zone signs at every access point and at 100-foot intervals along the fence.
Securing an isolated jobsite requires a layered defense. By combining surveillance cameras, effective communication devices, a physical onsite security presence and proper fencing, you can effectively keep your project secure. With the right equipment in place, you can turn a vulnerable jobsite into a difficult target that criminals will bypass.
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