Copper theft is a growing problem in the construction industry, with thieves targeting valuable copper wiring and piping from construction sites. That’s why world-class construction site security is essential.

Not only does copper theft result in costly losses for construction companies, but it can also pose safety risks for workers and delay project timelines. 

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies that construction companies can implement to secure their sites and prevent copper theft. In this blog, we will explore five ways to secure your construction site from copper theft.

1 - Utilize Fencing and Signage

One way to help prevent copper theft is to utilize fencing and signage to secure the perimeter of the construction site. This can help deter potential thieves by making it more difficult to access the site and signalling that the site is under surveillance.

Additionally, signage can be used to warn potential thieves that the site is protected by security measures and that theft will result in prosecution. For example, since Sonitrol has helped police apprehend so many criminals, thieves will tend to avoid sites that have a Sonitrol security sign on their premises. 

By utilizing fencing and signage, construction companies can send a clear message that copper theft will not be tolerated and deter potential thieves from targeting their site.

2 - Use a Verified Security Solution to Secure Your Construction Site

The implementation of a verified security solution is the single most effective way you can protect your construction site from copper theft. 

The use of a verified alarm system, such as SonaVision, will prevent thieves from stealing highly-valuable copper from your premises. Verified alarms are significantly more effective than traditional CCTV alarms, significantly reducing false alarm rates and helping police to apprehend criminals red-handed. 

That’s because unlike CCTV which merely records a crime as it’s taking place and lets the thieves make it off of your premises with your goods, verified alarms are monitored by a security professional and verified before police are notified. 

Due to this verification, police know that they can capture criminals with verified alarms. That’s why the average police response time is just 3.5 minutes to Sonitrol verified alarms, which have helped police apprehend more than 175,000 criminals to date. 

3 - Secure Storage Areas for Materials and Tools

Another effective strategy for preventing copper theft is to secure storage areas for materials and tools. This can include storing materials and tools in locked containers or rooms, or utilizing security cages to protect valuable items.

Additionally, it's important to keep an inventory of all materials and tools on site and ensure that they are properly secured at all times. By securing storage areas for materials and tools, construction companies can reduce the risk of copper theft and ensure that their materials and tools are available when needed.

4 - Implement Access Control Measures

Implementing access control measures is another effective way to prevent copper theft. This can include requiring identification for all personnel on site, limiting access to specific areas of the site, and utilizing key or card access systems to control entry.

By implementing access control measures, construction companies can monitor who has access to the site and ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed in. This can help prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of copper theft.

5 - Perform Regular Site Inspections

Performing regular site inspections is crucial in preventing copper theft by identifying potential vulnerabilities and addressing them before they are exploited. This can include inspecting fencing and signage for damage or weakness, checking security cameras for proper function, and reviewing access control measures for effectiveness.

By performing regular site inspections, construction companies can stay ahead of potential security threats and ensure that their site is secure and protected from copper theft.

Are you looking for a security system that will protect your business from the effects of copper crime or other types of theft? Contact Sonitrol Western Canada’s team of security experts today.