 Developing and implementing a solid end-of-day routine adds to the security provided by your existing security service, whether you use fences, guards or cameras. Remember that jobsite theft often starts with the employees of your subcontractors. If everyone knows you have a rigorous end-of-day security routine, then you're less likely to get hit.
Here are some suggestions for your security routine:
1) Block Valuable, Vulnerable Equipment with Larger or Less Valuable Equipment
Create a "wagon train" type of parking arrangement to block in your more mobile, high-target equipment. Parking vehicles in front of the doors to your Conex boxes also helps. We've seen cases of thieves using forklifts to move blocking vehicles, but this is typically limited to the more persistent and even professional jobsite thieves.
2) Engage Equipment in the Ground When Possible
Drop all blades, buckets and teeth into the ground when possible, making it difficult for thieves to push or drag the equipment onto trucks. This can help cut down on joyriding and destructive vandalism using your vehicles. This may not stop the determined thief, but it will certainly foil the amateurs and teenagers.
3) Disable Equipment at Night and During the Weekend
Disabling tools includes actions like taking out batteries and spark plugs, and be sure to remove any key boxes that may be on your site if possible. We've seen Conex boxes bashed in with fork lifts—it’s vital that you keep your heavy vehicles immobile when your crew is not at the site.
4) Park Equipment in Your Well-Lit and Street-Visible Zone
If possible, set up your jobsite with a zone designated for equipment storage that's well-lit and visible from the road. This keeps the thief from feeling safe and gives your security team a better view of what they're protecting.
5) Check Your Perimeter for Access Points
Are there piles of debris near your fence that would make it easy for thieves or vandals to climb in or out? Are there high shrubs or areas of overgrown weeds that could provide cover? Are your access points locked? Also, if possible keep your Conex boxes off your perimeter fencing—we’ve seen sites where thieves cut through the box from outside the fence.
6) Establish a Theft-Prevention Reward System
Ideally, you can offer some sort of reward leading to the return of your goods. Posting large yellow signs around your site with the phone number could deter thieves who fear they may get turned in by their coworkers. Make sure all these signs are hung at the end of your work day.
7) Check Your Visible Signs of Security
Are your cameras on? Are your guards in place? Ideally, you have visible signs of security that will keep thieves from stopping at your site in the first place. Often, there are enough jobsites in town that if yours is conspicuously guarded, thieves will pass you by.
Jeremy White is the CEO of Pro-Vigil (www.pro-vigil.com), a live remote jobsite security company. Contact Pro-Vigil at 866.616.1318.
Tags: security
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
