Security bosses warn of rise in UK building site thefts by organised crime | Construction industry
Theft of tools and equipment from construction sites is increasingly being carried out by organized crime groups, according to security bosses, amid warnings that a crime wave could accelerate during the Christmas construction shutdown.
Copper cables, tools and even telehandlers and diggers worth tens of thousands of pounds have been stolen in recent months, according to security firm Kingdom Systems.
There are now concerns that the annual closure of construction sites could see a wave of thefts, sometimes lasting as long as two weeks over the festive period.
Criminals often take advantage of the long winter nights to try to break into sites, hoping to escape with the most expensive vehicles and equipment stored there.
“Darkness helps thieves operate in the shadows,” said Paul Worsley, chief services officer at Kingdom Services, which operates temporary CCTV for more than 100 construction sites in Scotland and northern England.
“They use the Christmas period as an opportunity because construction sites stay closed for longer and they have less chance of being spotted by someone visiting the site.”
Construction site thefts have increased amid the cost of living crisis, Worsley said, while the greater availability of cordless, cordless grinders has led to more thieves trying to break the locks of buildings or storage cabinets.
The National Federation of Builders (NFB), a trade organization representing regional contractors and small and medium-sized housebuilders, has calculated that tool theft costs the industry around £100 million a year and drives tradesmen and companies into bankruptcy.
“I’ve never met a member who didn’t have a problem with tool theft or site theft,” said Rico Wojtulewicz, NFB’s head of policy and market insight.
“One member had two thefts during Christmas last year. He said he wasn’t looking forward to this year.”
In the past, thieves targeted copper cables, steel and pipes. But they are increasingly going after tools and equipment that industry representatives believe indicate the involvement of organized crime groups.
“They have the ability to operate this equipment, they know how to use it,” Worsley said. “To move large plant equipment, you need to know what you’re doing.”
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is calling for more deterrent measures against thieves. A bill proposing harsher punishments for prisoners Tool theft is passed by parliament.
“Many small and medium-sized businesses are already feeling the brunt of rising costs and are scrambling to pay, so the cost of having to replace their vehicles can be difficult to bear at any time, not least at Christmas,” said CIOB head of policy and public affairs David Barnes.
While security companies say good lighting may deter some thieves, they also recommend that construction companies group containers or storage units in a single area in the center of the site, away from fences, to allow better monitoring.
