Outsmarting jobsite pirates

Category: Build-Remodel-Topics
04/28/2023

Note from HBA of F-M:

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Protecting your worksites from thieves

Jobsite theft. It’s a reality all too common nowadays.

It leads us to wonder what security measures actually work! While we know it’s a reality, sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin when trying to protect a jobsite and what steps need to be taken after a break-in. 

At the end of the day, building security into your jobs protects your most valuable resource - team members and trade partners. Because of this, we have gathered tips for how you can beef up measures and outsmart criminals. 

The first place to begin?

According to OECS Vice President of Operations Tim Peterson, security starts in the bid process.

“Consider what is needed for security and protection and build that into the cost of the project. Think of it as looking at that site from the outside and how a perpetrator could break in. What measures can be taken to protect your jobsite, equipment, tools and most importantly your workers,” he says. 

Fargo Police Department also shared some tips:

1. Have a camera. This not only helps protect but is useful for when a jobsite is broken into.

2. Locks are never 100% secure. With a variety of locks to choose from for trailers, a good one is a disc lock. While locks are a good deterrent, they shouldn’t be the only method relied on as they tend to just delay the inevitable. 

3. Always secure your tools in trailers and lock boxes at the end of a shift. 

4. Park trailers in a well-lit area. Portable lights are an excellent deterrent, too. 

5. Record serial numbers for all equipment. This helps the police when they are looking for items that may have been pawned. They’ll enter the code into a database, and it will notify them when an item is pawned with that number. 

6. Etch business or individual names into tools. Markers can be cleaned off.

7. Utilize https://myproperty.fargond.gov/login as a resource for identifying and recovering stolen property. 

8. Observe your site. How did they get in? Was the lock cut or the door pried? Are there fresh prints anywhere? Did anything get left behind? Make observations and let the police know. 

9. If possible, having someone check jobsites on Saturday or Sunday to see if a break-in occurred. This helps narrow down times and is a possible deterrent. 

When it comes to security systems, there are many available. Do your research and ask for demonstrations of the devices so you know if it will work for you.  

written by Elizabeth Kosel, HBA Education & Public Affairs Coordinator

For more information or assistance, contact OECS.

OECS’s full name is OSHA + Environmental Compliance Systems, but they are NOT OSHA. Their experts are here to help you comply, keep your crew safe and avoid fines. Plain and simple. HBA of F-M has a partnership with OECS offering discounted services to members.

• Don’t have the time to prepare or plan for annual training? Don’t have a trainer or resources? Let OECS help with a Build Your Own Safety Day! How long? 2 hours, 4 hours or 6 hours – you decide! 
• Don’t forget, OECS also offers discounts ranging from 10 – 50% to HBA of F-M members on many of their safety services including jobsite audits and customized safety plans.