Theft of construction plant and equipment in the UK is ever increasing, yet there is also an increasing amount of security options to mitigate the risks. As well as site security, there are security measures that can be attached to individual plant items. In addition to the well-known and well-established trackers and immobilisers, there is new and progressive technology that plant owners may not be familiar with.
Site security
There are the traditional security methods used that include perimeter fencing & hoarding, security alarms and CCTV. Site security is particularly pertinent for hired in plant, where hires will not have any input into the installed plant security. Here are a few additional options:
Anti ram barriers
Used to prevent theft of large plant that are stored within buildings, these are retractable posts that are fitted in the ground in front of building access points.
Access control systems
Access points can be many and varied – access for vehicles, workers and authorised visitors – but no one should be able to access an open entrance. Locked and secured gates, either manned or accessed only with worker ID cards or biometrics, should be in place.
Drones
These can be programmed and used for automated patrols. As well as monitoring and recording, they can also provide remote signalling to notify stakeholders of unauthorised access.
Geofencing
Using GPS, a virtual boundary is created around a specific construction site. This alerts security personnel when unauthorised individuals or vehicles enter or leave the designated area. This is modern perimeter security and provides real-time notifications of any unauthorised movement. It can be used for plant tracking, by alerting parties when they are moved outside of the area.
Specific plant security
GPS trackers & Immobilisers – Live trackers can be used for real-time monitoring and status checking. Remote immobilisation allows equipment to be immediately immobilised following theft or unauthorised use. This information can be easily accessed via smartphones and PC, and support is often available 24/7 from providers.
Security marking – Applied to plant and machinery, this can range from visible identification labels, to more covert transponders which are discretely installed in seating or wiring, to microscopic dots and chemical DNA which cannot be completely removed by criminals.
Locking systems for specific plant – These are available for construction components to ensure there is no unauthorised removal of attachments from plant, such as buckets from mini excavators. They are also available for plant with hydraulic legs such as JCB diggers by locking their tracks in place.
Making these security measures as visible as possible will help as a deterrent.
All security devices and systems must be activated, maintained, and installed to manufacturers instructions. All physical security must be to British Standards.
Hand-held equipment and tools
For smaller items, or smaller contract sites that can’t be secured e.g. a residential open site, there are still a few security measures that can be undertaken. Lock boxes and secure storage should be utilised, and equipment should be completely removed from site when not attended.
Whilst it is often considered an inconvenience to remove equipment and secure it off-site daily, it is less of a convenience than a theft that results in a business not being able to trade because it doesn’t have the equipment to do so.
Touchstone Underwriting give specific discounts for plant security.
Have a construction based risk?
- Send the proposal form or presentation to becky.jones@:t-u-l.co.uk
or - Call us on 01923 298 440 to speak with an underwriter
@touchstone-underwriting-limited
@touchstoneuw