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With the days getting shorter, the dark mornings and early evenings are perfect for prowlers. It’s a proven fact that the number of construction site burglaries goes up in winter. Every year, theft and vandalism cause more than €100 million in direct damage. That’s not including the often even higher indirect costs, such as putting building project son hold. Roy Keunen, Manager of Boels Site Security, explains how to prevent burglary and vandalism during the dark winter months.
The goods that thieves like to steal most from construction sites are copper cables and tools they can quickly sell on the illegal market. “The solar park market has been particularly prone to copper theft in recent years”, says Keunen. This is why a lot of insurers are now making camera surveillance compulsory as a condition for insuring a project.
Preventive effect
Roy Keunen: “Security solutions help prevent unwanted access, reduce the risk of theft and increase the chance of being caught. That’s why we recommend having site security in place from day one.” Security with camera masts has a deterrent effect, especially when you use green lighting. Why the colour green? It actually started on an offshore oil rig that prohibited camera masts with white lights. Green light was sort of chosen by accident. These days, green lights are pretty standard in construction site security. “Thieves have learnt that a green light means there is on-site security, so camera masts definitely have a preventive effect”, Keunen explains.
Thieves have learnt that a green light means there is on-site security, so camera masts definitely have a preventive effect
Tailored solution
Every project is different. Depending on the objective of the security and the size of the project, Boels Rental offers a wide range of security products. Keunen points out the knowledge of his team: “Boels matches you up with an expert who prepares a tailor-made security plan. The same expert then looks after delivery, installation and removal of the security package.”
One of the security options is a camera mast. From sophisticated powered surveillance cameras to hybrid models, as well as a wireless surveillance system to detect intrusions. All delivered turnkey. Keunen: “Our cameras guarantee the highest security level thanks to superior real-time detection. They can be linked directly to local security officers, mobile patrols or control rooms. As soon as anything that’s out of place is detected, the control room dispatcher responds immediately. Peace of mind is very important for our customers.”
Total site security
There are times when installing just camera masts isn’t enough. That’s when you may want to consider full construction site security. Complete with perimeter fencing to secure the building site or a specific work area, and access control to monitor entry and exit points. “It’s another way for us to customise our advice and rental solution. So basically the whole package to prevent copper theft and burglary.”
