Police are seeing an increase in theft from building sites.
And they want new home owners and builders to be more aware of ways they can help stop crime at a number of new estates and home construction sites.
“Any valuable items such as tools, building materials and appliances left on site are vulnerable to theft and can ultimately cost people time and money,” police said.
A higher awareness reduces the direct costs and inconvenience theft causes the building industry and the home or buildings owners.
“There are a number of considerations that you can make to prevent theft at each stage of the building process,” they said.
Utilising neighbours, appropriate signage and the hire of temporary CCTV cameras are a deterrent to theft throughout the entire building process.
They said it was worth considering suitable fencing to barricade the site, temporary lighting at the front or on the footpath to deter opportunistic thieves, scheduling delivery of goods only as needed, and tracking inventory on the site.
Tips for the frame stage
Consider:
- Store tools and materials securely on site, in a container or compound
- An appropriate marking or identification method using the company ot builder name or building site lot number
Tips for the lock up stage
Consider:
- Having adequate locks engaged on all windows and doors
- Control or limit key access
- Fitting operating alarm or surveillance systems
Over weekends
- Avoid leaving appliance packages or deliveries unattended or unsecured
During fit out
- Consider securing transportable items such as air conditioning units and hot water systems with the use of tamper proof metal fasteners
During handover
- Lastly during the handover stage you can arrange a fast handover, complete a property inventory and review the security measures in place such as the external door barrel locks and security screens.
Completing a full security risk assessment includes a number of aspects.
For further information on business safety; including premise security tips, check out www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/business-safety
If you pass by a building or construction site and witness suspicious activity, be sure to report it to police.
