Theft and vandalism on UK construction sites is estimated to cost the industry over £1m per day, a figure which is expected to rise as organised criminal gangs continue to target what they consider to be softer, easier targets such as building sites.
The incidence of theft and vandalism has an immediate negative impact with direct costs due to loss and damage of valuable assets and associated costs such as interruption to work or in extreme cases the halting of all site operations. When you take into consideration the cost of materials, plant and equipment stored on most sites, can you afford not to have these sites properly secured?
We ask industry insiders for their advice on how you can best safeguard your site from vandals and thieves.
Pam Allardice, Director of Construction, Howes Percival LLP
“There are two main types of site vandalism in reality. The first is wanton vandalism – people who come onto a construction site with no purpose but to destroy and make a mess. The second is vandalism as a side effect of targeted theft of plant or materials.
“Protecting your site against either sort of attack is never easy. A good quality fence around the perimeter of the site is a must; as is controlling access, even during operating hours, and making sure you have sensible sign-in sign-out systems for all operatives supposed to be working on the site.
“Depending on where the site is and the size of the project budget, many firms engage security companies who have a presence on-site when it is unattended, or at least make periodic and preferably irregular visits.
“Other steps to consider include having the site as open as possible so unauthorised entry and criminal activity is easy to spot. Only allowing goods and materials onto the site, which will be used during the next day or two so the tempting targets are kept to a minimum. Make sure all your own expensive equipment is clearly and distinctively marked, put in an additional secure compound when not in use, and all keys taken off-site overnight. Last but not least, some insurers impose specific requirements for site security, so make sure all your site agents are made aware of them and do comply with the requirements.”
Albie Passmore, Construction Litigation Specialist, Adams & Remers
“A contractor occupying a site to carry out works is subject to the provisions of the Occupier’s Liability Act 1984. The contractor would be liable if a trespasser – even a vandal – was to be injured on the site as a result of the state of the site in general, or through actions done or omitted from being done on it.
“Such liability can be avoided if the occupying contractor takes reasonable steps to give warning of the danger concerned or to discourage the trespasser taking such a risk. For example, a warning sign or an area being fenced off and it being established that the trespasser had willingly accepted such a risk.
“In the event of any visitor being injured on site, even as a result of dangers arising from vandalism, the occupying contractor can find itself liable because of the provisions of the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Section 2(2) of that Act places a duty on the occupier of premises to take such care as is reasonable in the circumstances to ensure that a visitor will be reasonably safe whilst on the premises for the purposes for which he has been invited or permitted to be there by the occupier.
“In the case of Peskett v Portsmouth City Council, the Claimant tripped on a paving slab located on a well-used shortcut between two paths. The Council were found to be liable by way of the duty under the Act as they had known of the trip hazard but had not taken reasonable care for a visitor’s safety.
“This duty, however, does not extend to any injury suffered by such a visitor as a result of an activity conducted by a third party on the premises, for example work conducted by an independent contractor.”
Andy Chambers, Cowarne Carpenters, MyBuilder.com
“The first thing to do is erect a sturdy site boundary fence. Use Heras fence panels if it is a small site. Or, if the budget will allow, then a solid 2.4 metre-high plywood and timber post fence.
“If it is just vandalism and not precious metal removal it is more than likely to be young kids, so keeping them out of the site is paramount, as this could also have implications for the site owner should they injure themselves. The site owner could be prosecuted if they have not taken reasonable steps to stop them entering the site.
“Enlist the help of a local security firm, just to call by once or twice each evening. If you can find a company that is already working nearby they won’t charge too much. Put up signs saying that CCTV has been installed by a security company and also put up a couple of fake cameras – they are a very good deterrent. Also, you should always report any incidence of vandalism or theft to the Police: they can’t help if you don’t tell them.”
