As anybody working in the construction industry knows, building sites are a tempting target for thieves, vandals, and other trespassers.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic left many sites standing empty for extended periods of time, the construction industry suffered losses estimated at £800 million a year as a result of theft, arson, and criminal damage, not to mention general anti-social behaviour.
Official security guidance for the construction industry.
New guidance has recently been issued by the official police security initiative, Secured by Design (SBD), in an effort to curb that trend. It recognises that the impact on the construction industry is not just assessed in terms of monetary loss. Theft and damage materials and equipment leads to delays, additional development costs, higher insurance premiums, and more.
The new SBD guide covers a broad spectrum of subjects relating to the industry, including specific advice on the following topics.
closed-circuit television (CCTV)
fire prevention
perimeter security
protection of vehicles, plant, machinery, and tools
security lighting
site access and offices
urban explorers
Expert input from crime professionals
Secured By Design have produced their new guidance with the assistance of several leading crime prevention organisations. Chief among these are the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), and Police Scotland, as well as the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), the National Business Crime Centre, Sold Secure, and the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
Essential guidance for site owners, workers, and security
Michael Brooke, the Head of Operational Services at Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, said
“the advice is based on proven crime prevention principles that are known to reduce criminal opportunity by creating safer, more secure and sustainable environments. It applies to all construction sites regardless of their size and is intended for all staff including security personnel.”
How we can help
At Marpol Security, we are constantly looking for ways we can improve security for all our clients, including those in the construction industry. We welcome the new guidance from SBD and look forward to applying its principles to our own security packages on building sites across the UK.
You can download a copy of Construction Site Security Guide 2021 and see for yourself how your current security measures compare to the new guidance.