Fuel Theft From Construction Sites

Fuel theft from construction sites is increasing during 2022.
The new fuel legislation on 1^st April 22 regarding the construction industry.
Having to only use white diesel for their plant and machinery.
This is causing a significant rise in construction site thefts overall.

The new white diesel legislation is not only making construction sites more appealing to would-be criminals.
The current excessively high price of fuels also makes it a perfect storm.

This also makes it easier for untrustworthy staff.
To abuse their position and easily remove the diesel for their own vehicles as a so-called perk.

The extra cost to construction companies now imposed as they no longer receive fuel tax relief.
Has a significant financial impact due to the rise in fuel thefts and the endless price increases.

Many construction site personnel arrive for work in the mornings only to find that.
Their entire plant, machinery, generators, storage tanks and bowsers have been relieved of their fuel supplies overnight.
The cost of replacing diesel for the plant and machinery that has been stolen overnight is not the whole story.

The cost of replacing diesel is very costly, running into hundreds of pounds.
However this can be insignificant when the cost of lost operational hours is compared.

For large construction projects, the hourly worker downtime can run too many times more than the initial refuelling costs.

Fuel theft Prevention has never been more critical.

Due to the significant increase in fuel thefts.
From construction sites since the expulsion of red diesel use on 1st April 22.

Construction companies have also noticed increased overall crime and theft from their construction sites.

Fuel thefts from construction sites are a growing concern.
The change from red to white diesel use only in the construction industry makes the theft of diesel unrecoverable.

Since the changes in legislation and the weekly increases in oil costs it is a growing concern.
That the theft of fuel on construction projects is set to rise even further, and criminals will target more sites.

Construction Site Security Measures

Construction companies should start with the most apparent crime prevention measures to deter crime.

One of the most obvious things they can do.
Ensure perimeters are secure and gated entrances and fences are fit for purpose.

They should Consider Using, Hoarding & Fencing

Regulations regarding construction site design and site safety management.
States that construction companies must take adequate steps to secure and prevent unauthorised entry into their construction sites.
Including suitable measures against trespass and vandalism.

That means securing the perimeter around the construction project. Installing appropriate hoarding or Heras fencing with signage before any work begins.

The Health and Safety Executive requires construction companies to plan and design site security and boundaries.
Using appropriate and approved equipment, systems and services.

Heras Fencing (ensure it has a minimum of two fixings, ideally three fixings.

Mobile Patrols are also a cost-effective security measure.
Albeit limited in effectiveness due to the long periods the site is unoccupied.

Any criminal could easily do some reconnaissance and establish. When the security patrol is due to arrive, leaving any criminal a significant time frame to commit their crime.

CCTV is also an excellent cost-effective deterrent but again limited in effectiveness.

Even when monitored, it will take significant time for a security patrol or police response to arrive
Allowing the criminal plenty of time to leave the site unchallenged.

Criminals will cover their faces making them unrecognisable.

Face coverings have reduced the effectiveness of CCTV use since covid 19.

It is now considered perfectly normal to wear a face-covering at any time of day or night.

Making it impossible to get the clear facial recognition which is required for a successful prosecution.

Wireless Intruder Alarm Systems with External Motion detection

Wireless Security Alarm Systems with external motion detection are another good cost-effective deterrent but require monitoring and response services.

All the above options will help the security of your construction site. However any option that requires monitoring and a response service, due to the increase in fuel-related service charges.
It is better to have the presence of a permanent security guard.
As the cost-saving is becoming insignificant compared with the increased security benefits that a permanent guard brings.

Mobile security patrols, Monitored CCTV and intrusion detection systems are inherently compromised.
When compared to a permanent security guard presence.

Security Guard Services

The presence of a Permanent Security guard is by far the most effective crime deterrent.
As the security guard is already on-site, ready to engage the criminal and alert the police immediately.

Having a permanent security guard onsite ready to engage with any criminal or trespasser instantly is the most effective deterrent.

A permanent site guard is able to record vital evidence and even apprehend and detain the criminal.
Leading to a successful Police prosecution.

How to reduce the risk of fuel theft From construction sites

Fuel theft advice for construction sites after the removal of the entitlement to use red diesel from 1st April 2022

The result of this is that users of heavy machinery, including dumpers, generators, and excavators.
Can no longer fuel on tax relief red diesel.

This is causing an increased risk of fuel theft on construction sites, machinery and other site plant.
Particularly onsite storage tanks, as white diesel is used in all diesel powered vehicles.

Fuel Theft From Construction Sites

Fuel theft from construction sites includes emptying storage tanks and bowsers.
Construction sites are at increased risk of fuel theft.
As they hold large amounts of fuel to keep the construction sites’ plant and machinery operational.

Fuel theft techniques

Diesel theft methods include syphoning into plastic containers or using an electrical or mechanical pump.
To transfer the diesel faster from large vehicles, storage tanks or bowsers, even driving off with them when left un-secure.

Fuel theft related crime losses increases as the thieves are causing significant and costly damage.
To plant machinery, fuel tanks, and storage facilities.

Often cutting fuel lines or holes into plant and machinery fuel tanks, storage tanks, and bowsers.

Additional related costs may include diesel spillage clean-up costs, plant repair or replacement, and increased insurance premiums.

How to prevent fuel theft on construction sites

Supply chain issues, fuel shortages, and the endless price increases, are the main reasons.
The construction industry is experiencing an unprecedented rise in fuel theft.

As the demand for white diesel grows, the risk of fuel theft increases. Police authorities warn that thieves are increasingly targeting fuel stored at poorly secured construction sites.

So how can construction companies protect fuel storage against theft?

Tank solutions

Fuel tanks play a crucial role in fuel security at any site.

Although fuel storage and portability requirements are integral, site managers should prioritise storage with Anti-theft measures.

These can include quality locks and fuel tank alarms.

A lockable fuel tank should not just be theft-proof; it must also comply with all current regulations.

This will ensure against the risks of leaks, spillages and environmental damage.

Stay Alert Monitor Fuel consumption

Securing your fuel storage is only one part of fuel security.

Monitoring and logging fuel usage are equally essential to maintain sufficient fuel supplies.
To ensure your plant remains operational when needed.

Telemetric fuel tanks are available for purchase or hire that have alarms.
When fuel volume is nearing empty the alarm will activate to warn of low fuel levels.
This is especially useful as it will alert you of a sudden decline in fuel capacity.

That may be due to theft, spillage, or uneconomical fuel usage, allowing you to act in good time.

Employing a dedicated security service is the logical choice.
Our construction site guards will patrol your entire site.
Monitored patrols guarantee your site is fully secure at all times.
Find out more about our Construction Site Security service and why we stand out.