Avoid Unexpected Theft Costs

Stop crime now with a wireless security system.

Construction business owners face tough decisions when trying to secure their jobsites. In an industry that has been hit hard by the struggling economy, business owners have tight budgets. As a result, security often does not become a priority until an event occurs that results in vandalism and stolen assets. 

Losing heavy machinery, such as front-end loaders, bulldozers and cranes, can cost thousands of dollars. Tool theft and copper theft have also increased. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, copper theft costs the national economy about $1 billion per year. 

Depending on the size of a loss, anywhere from one day to several weeks can be lost. Between the unexpected claim filing and inability to work, time-sensitive project hours can be eaten up. It only takes one or two significant events to occur during a project for a contractor to experience a major loss in profitability and time, making it critical for construction companies to find a cost-effective solution to avoid these unexpected costs.

How to Deal with Theft

A construction site or remote facility can be secured through several options. Most construction sites have a perimeter fence. A perimeter fence keeps unauthorized parties from trespassing and protects people from accidentally wandering into a hazardous site. While this keeps honest people away, thieves often have no problem finding a way in.

To avoid this, many business owners also have on-site security guards to protect their construction sites after hours. Guard services can be effective, but they can also be expensive, costing thousands of dollars each month. Also, a guard or even multiple guards cannot be in all places at all times. 

An ideal security system acts as the omnipresent eye, and today, a variety of wireless solutions can accomplish this. They monitor the construction site’s perimeter and provide up-to-date, real-time data. Often, wireless security systems use combinations of technology, including motion detectors with LED lights and industrial grade IP video and audio solutions. 

One increasingly popular example is battery-powered motion detectors with wireless monitoring. The motion detectors, which can be easily installed, create invisible lines or zones to form a perimeter around either an entire facility or a specific area where valuable equipment has been stored. If someone crosses the established perimeter, motion detectors send a signal to a control panel. 

These systems can be tailored to fit each contractor’s needs. For example, in some cases when a motion detector has been triggered, a large-scale white LED light will illuminate in an attempt to ward off intruders. Or, very specific pre-recorded audio messages can also be played by using an amplifier and outdoor-rated loudspeakers in addition to lighting systems, strobe lights, etc. With telephone or Voice over IP (VoIP) systems, a contractor or designated security professional can communicate directly through the system. 

Wireless sensor networks provide proven reliability during instances when a legitimate security breech has occurred, and timely notification will save money in stolen or damaged equipment. 

Wireless sensors can be easily integrated with other solutions and reliably operate in secluded, industrial locations. A variety of other technologies can be combined with wireless systems, especially in remote sites where Internet access and power may not be available or where weather conditions can be a challenge.