Job Site Security: Establish Your End-of-Day Routine
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 job site theft often starts with the employees of your subcontractors and 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 end of day 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. Further, it can help to park vehicles in front of the doors to your Conex boxes. We’ve seen cases of thieves using forklifts to move blocking vehicles, but this is typically limited to the more persistent and even professional job site 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 up onto trucks. This can help cut down on joy riding 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’s not at the site.
4) Park Equipment in Your Well Lit and Street-Visible Zone
If possible set up your job site 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 of your perimeter fencing - we’ve seen sites where thieves cut through the box from outside the fence.
6) Establish and Post 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 job sites in town that if yours is conspicuously guarded thieves will pass you by.
Staying on budget - or even under it - is easy if you’ve got a live remote security system on your job site and follow the six tips above for your end of day job site security routine. If you have questions about keeping your site secured with live remote security surveillance that’s cheaper and more effective than guards or video cameras contact Pro-Vigil at 1(866) 616-1318 or info@pro-vigil.com.