7 Tips to prevent jobsite theft

Imagine this scenario: You’re on the jobsite and are busy working on multiple projects. Your team decides to break for lunch. You’re so distracted by the tasks at hand that you forget to lock up. You return from lunch half an hour later to find that some of your tools are gone. In the short time you were at lunch, a criminal saw an easy opportunity and now you’re out the $2,000 it will cost to replace your job-essential equipment.

This story, unfortunately, is all too common. The good news is there are steps you can take to make sure this doesn’t happen to you. We asked our own Director of Corporate Security and Business Continuity Ray Ferrara for tips to prevent jobsite theft. Ferrara is a security expert because of his years served in the military and on the Virginia State Police force. His numerous security certifications have contributed to his success as a highly effective security management professional. Ferrara suggests these security tips to help ensure the safety of your property:

1. Draft a security plan

Who is responsible for locking the gate at night? Are all surveillance cameras working properly? What do we do in the event of a break-in? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered and outlined in black and white. Providing your team with a clear guide to security operations will help your crew work together to stay safe.

Bonus tip: Not sure where to begin? You can download and print our Physical Security Weekly Checklist for free! It outlines basic precautions to take and can help you get started with your security plan. Get Free Checklist

2. Designate a security leader

Make one person responsible for enforcing your security policies. Your security leader will be in charge of the execution of your security plan. They can delegate smaller security tasks to multiple people, but a single point of contact will eliminate assumptions about who is responsible for overseeing jobsite security.

Bonus tip: Boost your team’s morale and reward your crew for being proactive about security on the job. It can be as simple as bringing in lunch as a way of saying thank you. This will reinforce their behavior and lead to the long-term success for your security plan.

3. Define the jobsite perimeter

The best offense is a good defense. When possible, put up a wall or install sturdy fencing to keep out trespassers. If a perimeter barrier is not possible, hang the appropriate signage. Signage reading “no trespassing” will make it clear that they are breaking the law by being there.

5. Light it up

Criminals don’t want to be seen. It’s that simple. Discourage potential burglars from attempting to steal from your jobsite by installing security flood lights. Reasonably priced and relatively easy to install, flood lights are a smart investment for ensuring the safety of your property.

Bonus tip: Install security floods light in an elevated area away from perimeter barriers. You want to make it as difficult as possible for criminals to break or deactivate your outdoor lighting.

5. Secure tempting objects

Your forklift looks like a really good time to trespassers scoping out your property. Big or small, your best bet is to make sure any tempting items are secured with locks or stored in a safe place. Remember to take all keys out of motorized equipment to prevent burglars from stealing it or taking it for a joy ride.

Bonus tip: An industrial vending machine is a convenient and secure way to store and dispense worksite materials. You can monitor your crew’s use of items they use every day like service parts, work gloves, tools and more. A vending machine for equipment on the job will prevent loss and save your bottom line.

6. See something, say something

This goes back to tip number four: criminals don’t want to be seen. They rely on the idea that people, in general, tend to mind their own business. Encourage your crew to speak up if they see any unusual behavior, no matter how insignificant it may appear, and you could save your property from a break-in.

7. Say hi to your neighbors

Establishing a relationship with surrounding businesses or property owners is not only polite but also good for your security. Take the time to introduce yourself and swap phone numbers. By acquainting yourself with your neighbors, you’re putting an extra set of eyes on your property.

Bonus tip: Looking for more safety tips? Explore Safety Matters for ideas to help you put safety first.