Construction plant machinery theft

Construction plant machinery theft the High value of construction Plant and machinery continues to attract criminals to construction sites.

Tools, are a prime target for thieves.
As they are small and easy to steal.

As they are easy to steal, and not easily identifiable.
Even in a used condition they can be sold for a reasonable price.
To online marketplaces and pawn shops across the country.

In 2020, over seventeen million pounds worth of tools was reportedly stolen from London alone.

Opportunist and organised Crime at Construction Sites

Most thefts from construction sites are carried out by opportunistic thieves.
Wondering freely onto construction sites unchallenged and pilfering what they can.
From un-locked contractor vehicles, un-attended tools, and equipment lying around the site.
A significant number of construction site thefts are pre-planned.
Where larger items of plant and machinery are concerned.

Many construction site thefts are carried out by career criminals.
For most items stolen from construction sites.
A buyer is already waiting to purchase the larger items of construction plant and machinery.
Much of which is never recovered as it is swiftly shipped overseas by professional well organised criminal organisations.

Identity Theft a Major Method in assisting Construction Theft

Many criminals are aiding their construction plant and tool theft.
By simply using fake IDs or even setting up fake businesses and documentation.
Appearing to be a legitimate person or organisation.

To facilitate fraudulently hiring equipment from tool and plant hire businesses.
With the intent of stealing the delivered tools and plant.

This method is particularly effective as it can be many days or weeks before the theft has been detected by the tool and plant hire business.
This is a very effective method for acquiring expensive and specialised tools, plants, and machinery.

Increased Demand of Heavy Plant contributing to Construction Theft

Increased demand due to large infrastructure projects across the UK.
The UK is experiencing significant supply chain issues due to increased demand.
For heavy plant and equipment across the country.
As large infrastructure projects get underway such as,

• Hinckley Point Nuclear Power Station
• Thames Tideway
• HS2
• Stonehenge Tunnel
• Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station Construction in Suffolk

All of these projects are adding pressure to the demand for heavy machinery and earth-moving equipment.

Due to supply chain issues for plant, machinery, and equipment.
This is increasing the value of second-hand used machinery and criminals are reaping the rewards from their construction site thefts.

Consequences of Theft to the Construction Industry

The most significant consequence of theft from a construction project is the high cost of replacing lost equipment.

Additional costs resulting from construction site thefts.
Lost working time as the project comes to a halt without the large machinery required to prepare the area.

In preparation for often hundreds of tradesmen and contractors.
To start work results in the loss of many thousands of pounds in downtime.
This can lead to additional financial loss in the form of financial penalties for not meeting contractual deadlines.

Businesses of any size cannot sustain these losses.
This is especially damaging to smaller privately owned organisations.
Which could lead to the closure of many small businesses.
As they do not have the financial resources to overcome the losses.

keep equipment safe

To reduce the risk of a construction site theft, several construction site security measures can be implemented.

• Install adequate perimeter fences or hoarding.
• Install lockable entrances.
• Lock equipment in a safe zone, compound, or container.
• Remove keys from and lock machinery and plant.
• Fuel Theft and Storage of fuels.
• Use controlled biometric site access systems.
• Install security lighting.
• Register plant, machinery and tools on the National Plant and Equipment Register.
• Educate staff and contractors in security awareness during site inductions and toolbox talks.
• Install CCTV Systems.
• Install Wireless intrusion systems with external sensors.
• Contract a professional Security Guard Service

Remember Monitored CCTV, Intrusion systems with a response service are a good investment as are mobile security patrols.
These methods of security are less effective when compared to a permanent security guard,

Due to the time it takes to receive a security patrol or Police response.

Fuel Theft and Fuel Security Fuel Theft from Construction Sites.

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