In the UK about £1 million worth of construction equipment goes missing from construction sites every week, according to Norwich Union. Businesses also face continuity problems because of the long lead times involved in replacing stolen specialist machinery.With less than 5% of stolen items ever recovered and low levels of prosecutions by the police, plant theft is regarded as a low risk opportunity for the criminals involved.
Norwich Union recommends marking all equipment and machinery under the CESAR, (Construction Equipment Security and Registration) scheme. The scheme includes various levels of markings for the equipment, from highly visible six-character triangular registration plates, down to multiple covert markings and hidden transponders.
Physical security measures include immobilisers for any driven item and mechanical devices such as boom locks, arm locks or leg locks on machinery can also be a good deterrent. Tracking devices can also be used and although they do not prevent the item being stolen, it will certainly increase the chance of recovery.
Whilst walls or fences surrounding the site are a must, employing security guards or having monitored CCTV with the back up of a police response is also recommended. Where possible, valuable items should be stored within a building or a purpose built storage facility, and this should also have security measures in place.
For more information on the CESAR scheme click here.
