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Construction companies are more likely to experience theft than any other type of loss. According to the Insurance Journal, annual equipment theft alone costs the construction industry an estimated $1 billion—and that figure doesn’t even account for stolen raw materials or the productivity lost in the aftermath. Beyond the immediate financial impact, theft can lead to higher insurance premiums, costly project delays, and significant replacement expenses. That’s why preventing theft should be a top priority for every construction company.

Commonly Targeted Items

  • Lumber: With prices on the rise, lumber has become a popular target. It’s often left in unsecured piles for days at a time, making it easy to load onto a truck and disappear. Since lumber is hard to trace once stolen, it’s especially attractive to thieves.
  • Power Tools: These are small, high-value, and in constant demand, making them an easy win. They’re also simple to sell through online marketplaces like Facebook, often with no questions asked.
  • Copper: Copper wiring and piping are highly sought after. While scrap piles are easy targets, thieves are often bold enough to rip out newly installed materials, causing serious damage and additional repair costs.
  • Heavy Equipment: Although not easy to steal, heavy equipment offers a high payoff. Losing items like skid steers, excavators, or trailers can cripple a job site, and these pieces of machinery are some of the most common theft targets.

Ways to Prevent Theft

  • Secure the Site: The best theft prevention is deterrence. Use perimeter fencing and install proper lighting to eliminate dark, vulnerable areas. These simple measures make your site far less attractive to potential criminals.
  • Know Your Personnel: Conduct thorough background checks on employees and subcontractors, those with the most access to your equipment. This is a critical step in building a trustworthy team.
  • Lock All Equipment When Not in Use: Always secure vehicles and equipment at the end of the day. Store all keys in a centralized, secure location to limit unauthorized access.
  • Create a Security Plan: A formal plan ensures everyone knows their role in theft prevention. Include an end-of-day checklist, protocols for site access, material storage guidelines, and a clear list of emergency contacts.

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