The dark hours are a time of theft on Danish construction sites. In the dark, thieves can easily sneak around undetected. It's not uncommon for them to make off with valuables worth more than DKK 100,000. - or even over 1 million DKK. Even without having visited the construction site for very long.
In the first week of the year alone, a scaffold was stolen in Frederiksværk[1], and several vans were broken into across Denmark.
But what are the thieves after?
And what do thieves find difficult to resell on the black market?
Demand can be divided into 2 groups:
1) In demand on the black market
Power tools in good condition
Newer power tools in particular are in high demand. Especially if all its parts (e.g. battery) are in the same place. On the other hand, thieves are less interested if the tool has ingrained dirt.
GPS equipment from vehicles
Thieves sometimes break into vehicles just to dismantle their GPS equipment. In this case, they leave the vehicle but take some of its interior. This is time-consuming to repair.
Materials - especially in original packaging
With material prices on the rise, demand is glaring on the black market. Especially what is still in original packaging.
Machines
Many types of machinery can be sold on the black market. Recently, many mini loaders have been stolen. But also vans and telehandlers often disappear.
Trailers and wagons
Sometimes the purpose of the theft is to steal trailers and wagons. Other times, it's just easier for the thief to load the stolen goods onto your trailers before hitching a ride on their own vehicle.
Scaffolding
Packed scaffolding is easy for the thief to transport away.
Fuel from machinery and barrels
Thieves may find a way to empty your vehicles of fuel. If you have fuel stored in barrels, they will also take the barrels with them.
Gas cylinders
It is not uncommon for gas cylinders to be stolen. The more in one place, the better.
New furniture (especially white goods)
When buildings are built and need kitchens and white goods installed, thieves are quick to pounce. It is not uncommon for the thief to revisit the building shortly after a new load of fixtures has been delivered.
2) Low demand on the black market
Worn out tools
Tool with ingrown dirt
Tools with missing accessories and parts (e.g. battery)
Machines and tools with tracking and marking
What impact can construction site theft have on you and your site?
There are always direct and indirect costs associated with site theft. The direct cost is the value for which the thieves steal. If you have provided proper security against theft, this loss will usually be covered by your insurance.
The indirect costs are the costs you incur to get your business "up and running" again.
Examples are:
Pay for employees who cannot get on with the day's work
Suspension of subcontractors
Time spent on reacquisition and repairs of tools and machines
Repair of vandalism caused by theft
Delays in construction
Delay in starting up next projects
Daily fines
Time spent on damage claims, police reports and investigation work
Dissatisfied customers and bad publicity
How to avoid theft from your construction site
You can do a lot to prevent burglaries. In particular, these are measures that make a break-in more difficult for the thief.
The best burglary is one that never happens, perhaps because the perpetrator gives it up. And that's exactly what burglary protection can help you achieve. We know that people's own efforts reduce burglary, says Niels Kronborg, Deputy Inspector at the Danish Police, in a press release[2].
One of the most effective safeguards on construction sites is active surveillance. Here, video surveillance sends live footage to a manned control centre. This measure acts as a deterrent because a guard catches the thief in the act. Traditional video surveillance, with footage stored on a hard drive, is only a deterrent.
In SITE-SECURITY we rent camera masts with active surveillance. The camera masts are always connected to our own manned security centre, says Lasse Østergaard-Jensen, security expert at SITE-SECURITY. In addition to following live footage from the construction site, the guards can use the camera mast's speaker to call out to intruders. The guards can also turn on the mast's siren and powerful LED lights.
Contact SITE-SECURITY to find out how together we can stop construction site theft at your site.
Phone: +45 88 80 84 48
Mail: danmark@sitesecurity.dk