Brad Bush, Senior Vice President, HUB International Florida
If it seems as though a lot more equipment, materials and supplies are vanishing from construction sites these days, it’s because they are. The construction industry across North America is getting battered by thieves as the building boom, supply scarcity and inflation make the rewards worth the risk. Contractors and their subs must put strong measures in place to manage against the losses, which can cost anywhere from $300 million to $1 billion annually.
Everything everywhere is vulnerable, as a handful of incidents in Florida illustrate: Green Roofing in Nokomis was a victim in a string of thefts from one site last year, losing $30,000 in thermoplastic materials and a robot welder. The Sarasota Manatee Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association said equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars had been stolen in recent months. In February, a construction site in Port St. Lucie reported the theft of copper, wire, tools and generators worth $30,000, after thieves broke into several storage containers.
In 2021, a Hialeah man was arrested on felony charges for renting heavy construction equipment in Miami-Dade and Lee Counties, then selling it to third parties. With supply shortages, new equipment like skid steers are hard to find and used equipment commands premium prices.
The more planning and safety measures that are put in place, the better the protection from criminals. Bringing a demonstrable rigor to the process is also important for securing adequate builders risk insurance. Here are some instrumental measures to protect a site and the materials and equipment it contains:
Permanently identify and inventory tools and equipment. Tools and equipment don’t typically come with a title and registration. Knowing what’s there and using a unique ownership mark on all items is key to identifying and reclaiming stolen property. This covers everything from smaller hand tools (including attachments and removable parts) to heavy equipment. Use
of welders or etching tools makes the identification hard to remove. Microdot identification technology systems are another option. And don’t forget to document the site inventory to facilitate recovery.
The more defenses, the better. Multiple defenses are exponentially harder for criminals to break through. A basic locked and climb-resistant fencing with prominently posted surveillance warnings and notice of penalties to trespassers. Access points to
the site should be limited. On-site guards are a real deterrent to crime at sites in high-risk areas. Good, abundant lighting at night
is critical and even more important when supplemented by cameras and alarms.
Think technology. A variety of newer tech solutions are also important to consider, since they can be used against other big risks at construction sites outside of crime. Internet enabled tags equipped with sensors can monitor equipment in real time. Other “Internet of Things” (IoT) inspired solutions track indoor, outdoor and equipment motion, fire, water and humidity levels. Tracking software with GPS is another option, but not the only solution: GPS devices can be easily located and disabled by thieves.
Make the mobile immobile, or less so, at least. Easily portable and drivable equipment needs extra attention. Generators, welders and smaller equipment should be stored out of sight or at least positioned so that they are not easily transported. The most commonly
stolen equipment includes loaders and tractors, so consider solutions such as hydraulic locks and options for hidden disconnects.
Storage matters, too. Adequate, secure storage is another must. Gang boxes should have enclosed and recessed locking points and locks that can’t be drilled open. Wheels on gang boxes should be removed and boxes should be locked down once they’ve been set on site. Workers who bring tools home shouldn’t leave them in vehicles unless they are locked and the alarm system is on.
Brad Bush is a Senior Vice President in the Jacksonville region for global insurance brokerage HUB International Florida. Brad works throughout the Southeast and specializes in construction, collaborating with contractors on both their surety and insurance needs.
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