Construction Site Theft Construction Site Theft PreventionPrevention

Presented by:Sgt. Scott Hilden

Canton Police Department

StatisticsStatisticsCanton Construction LarceniesCanton Construction Larcenies

112

92 92 88

75

53

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

200020012002200320042005

Larcenies

**February 2005 began “We Nail Thieves Program”**

When are these crimes When are these crimes occurring?occurring?

• Daytime regular work hoursDaytime regular work hours

• After hours and weekendsAfter hours and weekends

• Middle of the nightMiddle of the night

Crime PreventionCrime Prevention

Is the anticipation, recognition, and Is the anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a crime risk, and the appraisal of a crime risk, and the initiation of some action to remove or initiation of some action to remove or reduce it.reduce it.

What is needed to commit a What is needed to commit a crime?crime?

1.1. Criminal, with the motivation to Criminal, with the motivation to stealsteal

2.2. VictimVictim

3.3. OpportunityOpportunity

How are we going to reduce How are we going to reduce the incidence of thefts at your the incidence of thefts at your

sites?sites?

• Risk vs RewardRisk vs Reward, increase the , increase the chance of being caughtchance of being caught

• Reduce theReduce the opportunity opportunity for thefts for thefts

• Create an Create an environment environment that makes that makes it difficult to stealit difficult to steal

Criminal OpportunityCriminal Opportunity

• It is controllableIt is controllable

• Potential victims can reduce their Potential victims can reduce their vulnerability to criminal attack by vulnerability to criminal attack by taking proper security precautionstaking proper security precautions

• Criminal opportunity is often Criminal opportunity is often impulsive, the thief stumbles upon impulsive, the thief stumbles upon an opportunity because of our an opportunity because of our carelessnesscarelessness

What types of items are What types of items are stolen?stolen?

• Heavy equipment-backhoes, loaders etc…Heavy equipment-backhoes, loaders etc…

• Utility trailersUtility trailers

• LumberLumber

• Mortar mixersMortar mixers

• Power toolsPower tools

• Appliances/furnishingsAppliances/furnishings

• CopperCopper

• The Kitchen Sink!!The Kitchen Sink!!

Defensible SpaceDefensible Space

• In 1772 Oscar Newman, an architect and In 1772 Oscar Newman, an architect and urban planner published a book called urban planner published a book called “Defensible Space”“Defensible Space”

• His concept is still used today and has His concept is still used today and has defined this concept as follows:defined this concept as follows:– ““the range of mechanisms – real and symbolic the range of mechanisms – real and symbolic

barriers, strongly defined areas of influence, barriers, strongly defined areas of influence, and improved opportunities for surveillance – and improved opportunities for surveillance – that combined to being that combined to being an environment under an environment under the control of its residents.”the control of its residents.”

What does this mean? What does this mean? Defensible SpaceDefensible Space

• You create an environment that You create an environment that psychologically causes those within psychologically causes those within to feel the sense of control by its’ to feel the sense of control by its’ residents or managers.residents or managers.– Prison environmentPrison environment– Office of a CEOOffice of a CEO– Chief of PoliceChief of Police– Court roomCourt room

Creating a Defensible SpaceCreating a Defensible Space

• Give work rules to all employees and Give work rules to all employees and have them prominently displayed in have them prominently displayed in several areasseveral areas

• Post signs that indicate “All thefts Post signs that indicate “All thefts will be prosecuted”will be prosecuted”

• Post signs indicating “Authorized Post signs indicating “Authorized Personnel Only” at job site entrancesPersonnel Only” at job site entrances

Defensible Space Defensible Space continued….continued….

• Offer a reward incentive program for Offer a reward incentive program for workers who report thefts workers who report thefts

• Encourage anonymous tipsEncourage anonymous tips

• Crime StoppersCrime Stoppers 1-800-SPEAK UP 1-800-SPEAK UP

• Conduct random unannounced work Conduct random unannounced work site visitssite visits

• You have now set the toneYou have now set the tone

Site SecuritySite Security

Total Site Security is often difficult to Total Site Security is often difficult to achieve, however there are many achieve, however there are many simple measures that can be taken simple measures that can be taken that will improve or enhance current that will improve or enhance current site security.site security.

Site Security continued……Site Security continued……

If the thief sees that the site is well If the thief sees that the site is well secured, he is likely to conclude that secured, he is likely to conclude that the equipment is also well secured the equipment is also well secured and will move on to a softer target. and will move on to a softer target. This concept is called “Crime This concept is called “Crime Displacement”Displacement”

Crime DisplacementCrime Displacement

• We cannot stop a determined We cannot stop a determined criminal from committing a crime. criminal from committing a crime. What we can do is make it more What we can do is make it more difficult. This may cause them to go difficult. This may cause them to go somewhere else to find an easier somewhere else to find an easier target.target.

Site SecuritySite Security

• Establishing a perimeter around a Establishing a perimeter around a work site can be accomplished work site can be accomplished several waysseveral ways– Natural barriersNatural barriers

•BushesBushes

•TreesTrees

•Landscape rocksLandscape rocks

•Ponds, lakes etc…Ponds, lakes etc…

Site Security continued…Site Security continued…

• Man made barriersMan made barriers– FencesFences– GatesGates– Electronic monitoring equipmentElectronic monitoring equipment– Security patrolsSecurity patrols– Contact neighbors around the site enlist Contact neighbors around the site enlist

their support in watching for suspicious their support in watching for suspicious activitiesactivities

FencingFencing

First Line of DefenseFirst Line of Defense• Use see-through material, such as chain Use see-through material, such as chain

link, this allows visibility inside the fencelink, this allows visibility inside the fence• Keep fenced areas free of bushes and Keep fenced areas free of bushes and

debrisdebris• Ideally 7-8ft tallIdeally 7-8ft tall• Limit access to keys for fenced areasLimit access to keys for fenced areas• Conduct routine fence inspections, Conduct routine fence inspections,

repairrepair

How much security is up to How much security is up to you!you!

Other Work BarriersOther Work Barriers

In many cases it will not be possible In many cases it will not be possible or cost effective to fence in a or cost effective to fence in a worksite. There are other options worksite. There are other options such as barriers and ditches that can such as barriers and ditches that can have a significant effecthave a significant effect

BarriersBarriers

• Low walls, ditches, dirt berms, or Low walls, ditches, dirt berms, or anything else that would prevent a anything else that would prevent a unit from being driven or towed off unit from being driven or towed off the worksitethe worksite

• Keep these walls or berms no taller Keep these walls or berms no taller than 3 ft so police can see into the than 3 ft so police can see into the site from their patrol carsite from their patrol car

GatesGates

Your only as strong as your weakest pointYour only as strong as your weakest point

• Gates should be of heavy construction, hinge Gates should be of heavy construction, hinge pins spot welded to prevent easy removalpins spot welded to prevent easy removal

• Locking hardware should be case hardened Locking hardware should be case hardened chain and a high security padlock chain and a high security padlock permanently attached to the fencepermanently attached to the fence

• If possible, have only one entrance/exitIf possible, have only one entrance/exit

Gates continuedGates continued

• Secure all work entrances/exits with Secure all work entrances/exits with a gate and lock, don’t leave the lock a gate and lock, don’t leave the lock open on the gateopen on the gate

• Limit the number of access points to Limit the number of access points to the sitethe site

Warning SignsWarning Signs

• Crime Stoppers “We Nail Thieves”Crime Stoppers “We Nail Thieves”

• Post “Warning” signs “No Post “Warning” signs “No Trespassing” around the perimeter of Trespassing” around the perimeter of your worksiteyour worksite

• Enhance signs by adding that Enhance signs by adding that “Product Identification Numbers” are “Product Identification Numbers” are recorded for all equipmentrecorded for all equipment

Prominently display signs around your site

LightingLighting

Lighting is one of the most effective low Lighting is one of the most effective low cost deterrents that is availablecost deterrents that is available

• Lights should be placed along the Lights should be placed along the perimeter of the property and directed perimeter of the property and directed toward the worksitetoward the worksite

• Lights should be of suitable quality and the Lights should be of suitable quality and the power source protectedpower source protected

• Lights should be well maintained and Lights should be well maintained and checked regularlychecked regularly

Types of Light ControlsTypes of Light Controls

• Motion SensitiveMotion Sensitive

• Photo-Electric Control- this light Photo-Electric Control- this light activates automatically at duskactivates automatically at dusk

• TimersTimers

• Event driven control- these lights can Event driven control- these lights can be set to activate upon detection of be set to activate upon detection of an intruder to illuminate the areaan intruder to illuminate the area

Type of Light SourcesType of Light Sources

• Incandescent- used in homes todayIncandescent- used in homes today• Quartz- improved incandescentQuartz- improved incandescent• Halogen- used indoor and out very bright Halogen- used indoor and out very bright

light with good color renditionlight with good color rendition• Florescent- type of mercury vapor, not good Florescent- type of mercury vapor, not good

outdoorsoutdoors• Mercury Vapor- used widely outdoors, poor Mercury Vapor- used widely outdoors, poor

color rendition, startup is not immediatecolor rendition, startup is not immediate• Metal Halide- excellent color rendition with Metal Halide- excellent color rendition with

pure white illumination, startup is not pure white illumination, startup is not immediateimmediate

Light Source continued---Light Source continued---

• High Pressure Sodium- very efficient High Pressure Sodium- very efficient light used outdoors color rendition is light used outdoors color rendition is fair, must have time to startfair, must have time to start

• Low Pressure Sodium- most efficient Low Pressure Sodium- most efficient light, poor color rendition, takes a light, poor color rendition, takes a long time to reach full illuminationlong time to reach full illumination

Good LightingGood Lighting

Good LightingGood Lighting

Where would you park?Where would you park?

Bad/Poor LightingBad/Poor Lighting

Where would you commit your Where would you commit your crime?crime?

Tools and EquipmentTools and Equipment

• Remove tools and equipment from the Remove tools and equipment from the job site at the end of each day if feasiblejob site at the end of each day if feasible

• Consider storing tools and equipment in Consider storing tools and equipment in a high traffic / high visibility area.a high traffic / high visibility area.– Use areas with natural sight surveillanceUse areas with natural sight surveillance– Store them in a secure locked heavy duty Store them in a secure locked heavy duty

cargo containercargo container– Keep area illuminated at nightKeep area illuminated at night

Tools and Equipment Tools and Equipment continuedcontinued

• Record serial or product identification Record serial or product identification numbersnumbers

• Engrave hand tools and other Engrave hand tools and other valuables with your drivers license valuables with your drivers license numbernumber– This allows us to track down the ownerThis allows us to track down the owner

Trailer/OfficeTrailer/Office

• Keep a record of the serial numbers on all Keep a record of the serial numbers on all tools, computers, fax machines, radios, tools, computers, fax machines, radios, cell phones, and other equipmentcell phones, and other equipment

• Secure computers to the floor or sides of Secure computers to the floor or sides of desks with strips of metal and bolts or desks with strips of metal and bolts or screwsscrews

• Backup computer data frequently and Backup computer data frequently and store it off sitestore it off site

• Have the trailer or office alarmedHave the trailer or office alarmed– SilentSilent– AudibleAudible

Securing your computersSecuring your computers

Key ControlKey Control

• Create a policyCreate a policy• Require that keys be removed from Require that keys be removed from

equipment when not in useequipment when not in use• Keep a key tracking log which requires Keep a key tracking log which requires

keys to be signed out/inkeys to be signed out/in• Restrict who has access to keys, Restrict who has access to keys,

equipment and the worksiteequipment and the worksite• Keep keys secured in a safe, or other Keep keys secured in a safe, or other

lockable area when not in uselockable area when not in use

4 D’s of Locks4 D’s of Locks

• DeterDeter

• DelayDelay

• DetectDetect

• DenyDeny

LocksLocks

• If using a padlock, they should be If using a padlock, they should be “high security” casehardened or “high security” casehardened or laminated steel, and with tamper laminated steel, and with tamper proof guardsproof guards

• Combination locks offer lower Combination locks offer lower security due to the possibility for security due to the possibility for sharing the combinationsharing the combination

• Use padlocks that must be re-locked Use padlocks that must be re-locked before the key can be removedbefore the key can be removed

Hardened locksHardened locks

Locks Locks continued…………………continued…………………

• Case-hardened chains used with padlocks Case-hardened chains used with padlocks should be thick enough to resist torch, should be thick enough to resist torch, saws and bolt cutterssaws and bolt cutters

• Consider cable or wire rope instead of Consider cable or wire rope instead of chain as it is harder to cut and requires chain as it is harder to cut and requires special toolsspecial tools

• Consider “blind” or enclosed locking Consider “blind” or enclosed locking devices on equipment doors and perimeter devices on equipment doors and perimeter gatesgates

Shielded Shackle LocksShielded Shackle Locks

Hidden Shackle Lock (Hockey Hidden Shackle Lock (Hockey puck)puck)

Are you relying on this for Are you relying on this for security?security?

Additional Crime Prevention Additional Crime Prevention StrategiesStrategies

• Delay installation of appliances to as Delay installation of appliances to as late as possible in the construction late as possible in the construction phasephase

• Conduct background investigations on Conduct background investigations on employeesemployees

• Encourage all employees to challenge Encourage all employees to challenge strangers who enter the job sitestrangers who enter the job site

• All personnel should be trained to say All personnel should be trained to say “may I help you?”“may I help you?”

““May I Help you?”May I Help you?”

Heavy Equipment TheftHeavy Equipment Theft

•Thieves steal an estimated $1,000,000,000 (billion) in heavy equipment annually

•Recovery rate is as low as 10%

What makes it so difficult to What makes it so difficult to investigate Heavy Equipment investigate Heavy Equipment

theft?theft?• Difficult gaining legal or physical access to Difficult gaining legal or physical access to

equipmentequipment• Varied locations of PIN numbersVaried locations of PIN numbers• Confusion between PIN and other ID Confusion between PIN and other ID

numbers on equipmentnumbers on equipment• No standard numbering formatsNo standard numbering formats• Absence or inaccuracy of theft reportsAbsence or inaccuracy of theft reports• Equipment is not titled so there is limited Equipment is not titled so there is limited

PIN informationPIN information

Vehicle SecurityVehicle Security

• However good the perimeter However good the perimeter security, a thief may still gain access security, a thief may still gain access to the equipment and equipment to the equipment and equipment may move from more to less secure may move from more to less secure worksites so it is important for worksites so it is important for vehicle security to be as good as vehicle security to be as good as possiblepossible

Vehicle Security Vehicle Security continued……continued……• Install theft prevention devices to disable Install theft prevention devices to disable

fuel, hydraulic, and or electrical systemsfuel, hydraulic, and or electrical systems

• Consider installing a recovery system Consider installing a recovery system (Lojack)(Lojack)

• Portable equipment can be immobilized by Portable equipment can be immobilized by removing tires if not being used regularlyremoving tires if not being used regularly

• Consider hitch protection, disable or Consider hitch protection, disable or remove the hitchremove the hitch

• Don’t leave equipment on a trailerDon’t leave equipment on a trailer

Inventory ControlInventory Control

• Equipment marking- use etching tools and Equipment marking- use etching tools and duplicate the units PIN number in at least two duplicate the units PIN number in at least two places.places.

• Customize the unit- unique paint colors, paint Customize the unit- unique paint colors, paint the roof a different color etc… it is more likely the roof a different color etc… it is more likely to be noticed and less likely to be stolento be noticed and less likely to be stolen

• Record any and all numbers on the unit- PIN, Record any and all numbers on the unit- PIN, serial, chassis, model, and manufacturer and serial, chassis, model, and manufacturer and keep them in an accessible location if neededkeep them in an accessible location if needed

• Use decals and signs telling the potential thief Use decals and signs telling the potential thief what has been donewhat has been done

Anchor and ImmobilizeAnchor and Immobilize

• Use a chain or cable to secure Use a chain or cable to secure equipmentequipment

• Remove wires or batteries on equipment Remove wires or batteries on equipment left on siteleft on site

• Lower buckets and blades to immobilize Lower buckets and blades to immobilize large equipmentlarge equipment

• Protect smaller items by positioning Protect smaller items by positioning larger items in a way to make them larger items in a way to make them inaccessibleinaccessible

National Equipment Register National Equipment Register (NER)(NER)

• Consider Registering all your heavy Consider Registering all your heavy construction equipmentconstruction equipment

• National database accessible to Law National database accessible to Law EnforcementEnforcement

• Can check suspicious equipment in Can check suspicious equipment in their theft databasetheir theft database

How to get startedHow to get started

• Contact your local police department Contact your local police department before breaking groundbefore breaking ground

• Designate a management level employee Designate a management level employee as a site crime prevention coordinatoras a site crime prevention coordinator

• Implement and maintain these crime Implement and maintain these crime prevention strategiesprevention strategies

• Post your sites with the “We Nail Thieves” Post your sites with the “We Nail Thieves” postersposters

• Prosecute all theftsProsecute all thefts

Getting some Getting some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’szzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’s

The EndThe End