Fighting Back: The Battle Against Tool And Equipment Theft
The construction industry is a bedrock industry in the UK, and one which provides employment to millions as well as vital infrastructure for the country. But the industry is experiencing something of a unique epidemic, in the form of theft and vandalism. A recent report found that the total annual cost of theft and vandalism in UK construction exceeded £800 million.
With theft on the rise, against the backdrop of a difficult economic landscape for businesses across industries, construction businesses are naturally looking for solutions to stem the tide. But how has this theft epidemic come about, and what exactly can businesses do to counteract it?
A Theft Epidemic
The report, put together by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), included a survey of 1100 professionals in the construction industry. These 1100 respondents were asked about their experience of criminal activity in the industry, and the results were profoundly shocking. With specific regard to theft, 92% of respondents reported having been impacted by theft of tools, materials, or equipment – with one in five encountering theft issues each week.
The Impacts of Theft
Petty theft is not thought to be a major spanner in the works for larger contractors and construction projects, but, as borne out by the incendiary figures reported in 2020, the cumulative impact is large. Besides, the construction industry is not entirely composed of conglomerates and large‑scale building firms.
Indeed, the vast majority of the industry comprises smaller businesses and sole traders, for whom equipment theft is an altogether more impactful event. The loss of even one power tool can delay a domestic project or contract with a larger firm, to say nothing of the immediate financial burden created by replacing the tool in question.
Mitigating Impacts
Prevention is the best course of action for mitigating the impacts of theft on a construction business. Secure storage solutions are a given but extend beyond adding locks to toolboxes and cabinets. Vans or fleets should have their locks upgraded to prevent overnight or on‑site break‑ins. These can also have positive impacts for builder’s insurance claims, with insurance being a vital route to minimising economic impacts for the business.
Technological solutions can also be implemented, though. GPS trackers can be added to toolboxes and specific items, to ensure they are easier to track down in the event of a theft. Of course, following such GPS trackers can invite risk on the individual, so more truck should be placed in static security measures.
Reporting Theft
Reporting theft doesn’t need to begin and end with a police report. With police forces swamped, a positive conclusion is not a given – and community or industry organisations can be a much more effective way to monitor thefts or find support. ‘Builder’s Theft Alert’ and ‘Construction Site Watch’ are strong options here.
