With research from NFU Mutual showing almost nine in 10 tradespeople have been victims of construction theft, the insurer is offering advice on how to improve their security on-site
NFU Mutual is urging those in the industry to remain vigilant. The latest research, conducted 12-17 May 2023, found that almost nine in 10 (89%) tradespeople and contractors have been victims of construction theft.
The rising numbers of crimes at construction sites continue to blight those in the industry, with 55% of those surveyed saying a loss of income was the largest impact, extra costs to replace or hire new kit (43%) were next and over a third (34%) revealed theft had affected their mental health.
As well as giving advice and paying claims, since 2010, NFU Mutual has funded a dedicated vehicle theft unit, which shares intelligence, delivers training, and works with police forces across the country and overseas to seize millions of pounds of stolen machinery.
The unit, now part of the new National Construction & Agriculture Theft Team (NCATT), is responding to thefts hitting sole traders and large construction firms.
Six in 10 workers have experienced theft from their vehicles
NFU Mutual has also worked closely with partners on the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill. The bill, which gained Royal Assent in the summer, gives the home secretary wider powers to make regulations to deter the theft and resale of quad bikes and ATVs through forensic marking, immobilisation and registering owner details.
It is now hoped that secondary legislation will be passed to widen the scope and equipment included to protect against construction theft.
Having an accurate record and knowing what you own is one of the key measures to help police trace items back to their owners and prosecute thieves.
However, less than half of tradespeople surveyed (43%) didn’t have a full list or know the property’s value, while 78% admitted to leaving machinery and tools in a vehicle overnight. Nearly six in 10 experienced theft from their vehicles, and over half (55%) experienced theft of their items from a building site.
Advice for preventing construction theft
With these figures a stark reminder to tradespeople of the dangers around valuables on site, NFU Mutual has issued several key advice points:
Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable with locks that comply with BS3621 where possible. Consider intruder alarms for high-value equipment.
If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.
Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building), for example, by leaving items on display and leaving tools around, which may assist an intruder.
Store portable items within a robust, lockable store fixed in place.
Secure free-standing equipment to the fixed point even if within a building, eg eye bolt in the concrete floor with chain and robust padlock. (at least 10mm thickness chain and security grade 5 padlock).
Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
Consider a video security system (temporary and intruder alarm systems are available for site use).
Security marks your tools and equipment (for example, forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
Don’t stockpile high-value materials such as lead and copper, or leave them around longer than necessary.
For construction vehicles, use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site – alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction, and security lights working.
Theft increases in the winter months
Zoe Knight, commercial specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Following on from our recent survey into trade theft, we are publishing the above advice as criminals continue to target tradespeople.
“Security for your tools, equipment and goods is so important, and the steps above are a big step to protecting yourself to prevent the worst from happening.
“With the winter months approaching and darker nights drawing in, criminals will work under the cover of darkness to target those who don’t secure their goods or make it easier to get away with their crimes.
“Our previous report found the huge impact thefts can have on tradespeople – be it professionally, financially or mentally, so we urge everyone, where possible, to follow the above advice.”
Zoe Knight
Commercial specialist
NFU Mutual
www.nfumutual.co.uk
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