“Christmas is not the time to sacrifice site security”
Biosite is urging the construction industry to maintain security safeguards ahead of the 2022 Christmas shutdown period, following an increase in sites reducing traditional measures in response to cost pressures. The warning comes as some sites admit they would be prepared to forgo maintaining some security elements, in an effort to cut costs.
Recently, the Chartered Institute of Building reported that 92 per cent of construction companies claimed to be directly affected by petty crime – with 21 per cent stating their sites are robbed on a weekly basis.
Previously, it has been estimated that construction site theft costs the industry around £800million per year*. Now, as the Christmas shutdown approaches, sites need to remain vigilant when it comes to ensuring effective protection against crime.
Simon Oakley, Operations Director at Biosite Security, explains: “We have started to see a worrying trend emerging where some sites are reducing normal levels of security reinforcements, including manned guarding, in an effort to save costs or because security has fallen down the priority list in response to cost pressures. What has been especially concerning is the underlying feeling that a small number of sites may be willing to ‘take the risk’ should the worst happen and a site is impacted by crime.
“It’s critical that site security is not compromised as the impact of theft and vandalism can have a dramatic impact on project progress. Having a physical presence on the ground can be beneficial for many reasons, whether that’s protecting assets from theft or damage or crucially being able to respond rapidly to an incident if an intruder has entered site, particularly if that poses a potential risk to life or to the surrounding area.
“Site security should always remain a priority but especially with the Christmas shutdown approaching, as it could present a perfect storm for opportunistic criminals to strike. Now is not the time to sacrifice site security – it is more important than ever.”
Biosite Security operates a nationwide support network of specially trained and SIA licensed guards, managed by an SIA approved contractor dedicated to the construction industry. Biosite guards report back to a 24/7 control room and have access to advanced technology systems for live tracking and reporting – putting sites in control of security.
To find out more about Biosite Christmas guarding cover, contact the team below by Friday 16th December.
Request a call back
Christmas guarding cover is based on inclusive cover from 12.00pm on 23rd December 2022 to 7.00am on 3rd January 2023 (cover can be extended as required).
More about Biosite’s range of security solutions, from manned guarding to CCTV
*Construction Plant Theft is on the Rise – Allianzebroker
**Construction Plant Theft Soars: The CEA
