- \n
- The construction sector is losing, on average, \u00a3400 million per year due to theft and other common crimes. Therefore, it\u2019s critical to know how to prevent it, and most certainly, if it\u2019s happening in your business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- While copper and small tools are commonly stolen due to their high resale value and ease of theft, the most troubling losses are power tools and heavy machinery, which cause significant financial damage and operational delays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Forewarned is forearmed: knowing what thieves are looking for is a practical way to start protecting your valuable construction site.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Take advice. It will be dividends \u2013 not only in the money you\u00a0don\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0lose through theft and insurance price hikes, but generally. After all, you can\u2019t put a price on your peace of mind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"does](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Does-CCTV-record-all-the-time.webp\")
\nCrime in the Construction Sector \u2013 And Why<\/h2>\n
Recent research from the\u00a0Chartered Institute of Building<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0has drawn attention to worrying crime levels, overshadowing what should be a good news story.<\/p>\n
These offences contribute to the UK industry’s loss of millions of pounds every year. (The losses include the stiff financial penalties incurred by building companies, such as increases in insurance costs and project delays.)<\/p>\n
And the most common issue?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s theft.<\/p>\n
A fifth of respondents reported that they experience theft every week. Even more concerning is that 92% are affected weekly, monthly, or yearly. So, what can be done? Indeed, site owners need to act fast to prevent their assets from haemorrhaging money through stolen goods.<\/p>\n
![\"London](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/London-Construction-Site-Security-.webp\")
\nThe Problem of Construction Site Theft<\/h2>\n
What could be causing the problem? The answers could lie in several places.<\/p>\n
Possibly, it\u2019s down to a site\u2019s location (if it\u2019s relatively remote) and the ever-changing nature of the workforce.<\/p>\n
The truth is, it\u2019s hard to keep track of a workforce with a high turnover and replacement rate.<\/p>\n
Equally, there\u2019s a rich, illegal market for construction equipment \u2013 with a scarcity factor. As of February 2024, fewer key building materials are around, and they\u2019ve increased in price. Did you know, for instance, that the cost for metal to surround doors and windows has gone up by nearly 19% in the 12 months up to November 2023?<\/p>\n
A lack of site security will not help the situation.<\/p>\n
With little chance of being caught, we have the perfect storm: a low-risk, high-reward prospect for would-be thieves.<\/p>\n
So, what do thieves \u201ceye spy\u201d the most? Is it everything that isn\u2019t tied down?<\/p>\n
What Thieves Love to Steal from Construction Sites<\/h2>\n
Copper<\/h3>\n
Clearway has touched on the issue of metal theft in a\u00a0previous article<\/strong>, which you may wish to refer to. Black marketeers can sell copper for an excellent price, and given intruders know where to look, they can find it easily.<\/p>\n
When copper is taken from a building site, its impact isn\u2019t just financial or from the value of the metal itself: intent on securing copper wiring or pipes, criminals can rip out weeks\u2019 worth of work, causing delays and even endangering lives.<\/p>\n
Small Tools<\/h3>\n
Yes, it\u2019s not just the \u201cbig stuff\u201d.<\/p>\n
Hammers, saws, and other smaller tools left lying around are an ultra-simple target. Again, they\u2019re a trouble-free, ask-no-questions sell and certainly less noticeable. While lower in unit costs, if this keeps happening, site owners will start to notice the financial knock-on effects.<\/p>\n
With regret, site workers may sometimes be responsible for these thefts. Health and safety play a part in security. While beyond our remit, all employees should have pre-employment and qualification checks and identity and CSCS cards.<\/p>\n
Power Tools<\/h3>\n
The most common items taken from building sites appear to be power tools. Not to put too fine a point on it, it\u2019s an immense problem.<\/p>\n
Obviously, this isn\u2019t a surprising finding. Circular saws, large power drills, angle grinders, sanders \u2013 there\u2019s an extensive list of electricity-powered tools, and they\u2019re worth a fair amount of money on the black market. And, very few people are likely to question where they came from.<\/p>\n
The issue here is, obviously, money. But these types of thefts also slow everything down and can damage a construction business\u2019s reputation if they continue. Missed deadlines are a no-no.<\/p>\n
Plant machinery<\/h3>\n
We\u2019re going up a \u201csize\u201d or two here.<\/p>\n
The unauthorised removal of heavy machinery from a site is less common than the items referenced above. But, this is still a challenge. Unlike smaller items, stealing plant machinery is a high-risk crime.<\/p>\n
But, it\u2019s high-reward, too. And yes, thieves do steal bulldozers, although this may seem unlikely. Why? Because there are eye-wateringly high profits to be made.<\/p>\n
The problem? Unfortunately, sometimes, workers forget to lock keys away – they\u2019re left in the vehicles. Don\u2019t be\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0site owner. With just a moment\u2019s inattention, your insurance cover may be invalidated if you need to claim.<\/p>\n
What Can You Do to Prevent Thefts from Construction Sites?<\/h2>\n
Be Prepared<\/h3>\n
Site and project managers must know how to deal with crime, should it happen. Equally, it\u2019s essential to consider the possibility \u2013 or even the probability \u2013 of criminal activity as part of your project plan.<\/p>\n
Clearway recommends a top-down proposal.<\/p>\n
This means a from-the-start strategy that covers all possibilities of intrusion, theft, vandalism and arson. We can offer an independent, completely impartial\u00a0initial assessment<\/strong>\u00a0to reveal the site\u2019s weak spots \u2013 and there could be more than you realise.<\/p>\n
Plus, the security measures you could take to keep everything locked down.<\/p>\n
If you engage our products and services, you\u2019ll benefit from a high level of expertise. We don\u2019t just throw things at the wall in the hope that something will stick. This is know-how and experience aimed at putting things right and ensuring that they stay right.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also reassuring to know that Clearway will maintain all our systems to best-practice standards.<\/p>\n
How Can We Help?<\/h2>\n
- \n
- \n
Invest in High-Quality Lighting and Fencing Systems<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Do you have a theft problem?<\/p>\n
Speak to Clearway about how to shine (a better) light on what could be happening. We also provide and install high-technology fencing that effectively prevents access.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Access Control Systems<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With a coming-and-going workforce, contractors, and other visitors, it may be hard to keep track. Access control systems from Clearway offer a crystal-clear view of all and sundry, with easy-to-implement recognition technology to allow access\u00a0only<\/em>\u00a0to those allowed to be there. And, who need to be there.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Construction site CCTV<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This works 24\/7, monitoring<\/a> and reporting any suspicious activity. Should a problem be detected, alerts can be sent to our manned service centre.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CCTV-Tower-On-Site-e1744887347488.png\")
\n- \n
- \n
Wireless construction site alarms<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0manned guarding\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is are a potent mix of machines and humans working in harmony, with ingenuity, judgement, and technological advancement at their best.<\/p>\n
In addition, it\u2019s worth mentioning\u2026<\/p>\n
Storage<\/h3>\n
Sometimes, it\u2019s the most obvious action you can take that\u2019s the most effective. Therefore, storing your expensive plant and machinery is critical; if it can\u2019t be seen, it\u2019s less likely to be stolen.<\/p>\n
The Equipment Register<\/h3>\n
You may wish to sign up for\u00a0The Equipment Register<\/strong>. This way, you can record all the details of your plant and equipment in a specific database. If items go missing, they could be tracked and returned to you more easily.<\/p>\n
Similarly,\u00a0CESAR<\/strong>\u00a0also offers a sophisticated security and registration scheme.<\/p>\n
Prevention and Training<\/h3>\n
On-site staff must know how to keep items secure, properly stashed away, and marked.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Economists are keen to tell us that the construction sector exists in a state of flux. Generally, a horizon full of cranes and an area gently buzzing with the sound of drills and building activity is good for the country\u2019s financial health. As an investment-led sector, it\u2019s an essential industry for the nation\u2019s prosperity. Sometimes,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":22496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,7],"tags":[],"area":[52],"class_list":["post-22494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-news","area-site-security"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
What Do Thieves Most Like to Steal from Construction Sites?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What Do Thieves Most Like to Steal from Construction Sites? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/what-do-thieves-most-like-to-steal-from-construction-sites\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Do Thieves Most Like to Steal from Construction Sites?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What Do Thieves Most Like to Steal from Construction Sites? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/what-do-thieves-most-like-to-steal-from-construction-sites\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Clearway\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-05-31T07:18:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-02T14:52:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/what-do-thieves-steal-on-construction-sites.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Gideon Reichental\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Gideon Reichental\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/what-do-thieves-most-like-to-steal-from-construction-sites\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/what-do-thieves-most-like-to-steal-from-construction-sites\/\",\"name\":\"What Do Thieves Most Like to Steal from Construction Sites?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/what-do-thieves-most-like-to-steal-from-construction-sites\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/what-do-thieves-most-like-to-steal-from-construction-sites\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/what-do-thieves-steal-on-construction-sites.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-05-31T07:18:37+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-02T14:52:52+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/c93d068b31b7c1b611c9b2c9aa8ccda9\"},\"description\":\"What Do Thieves Most Like to Steal from Construction Sites? 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- Take advice. It will be dividends \u2013 not only in the money you\u00a0don\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0lose through theft and insurance price hikes, but generally. After all, you can\u2019t put a price on your peace of mind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Forewarned is forearmed: knowing what thieves are looking for is a practical way to start protecting your valuable construction site.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- While copper and small tools are commonly stolen due to their high resale value and ease of theft, the most troubling losses are power tools and heavy machinery, which cause significant financial damage and operational delays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n