site security

London Sees Systems that Save Construction 60% on Security Costs

A dramatic switch from human guards to cost-effective smart technologies has been the trend in site security during the past year. Recent schemes carried out by the construction specialist, VPS Site Security, have shown savings of more than 60% in security budgets, which have provided an improved, comprehensive security net

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

site security

Building Site Security: Why You Need It and How It Will Help Your Business

Modern high tech site security to protect your property and people Theft and vandalism costs the construction industry over £800 million per year in terms of the losses and the costs involved in taking remedial action after thefts and acts of vandalism.  As a result, good construction site security is paramount both in terms of ‘self policing’ in the way construction site personnel observe good security and through using expert help from site security professionals. Why site security is needed As the above figure shows, good site security is imperative to avoid falling victim to the huge losses experienced by the industry as a whole – or at least being able to hopefully apprehend those committing criminal acts if the worst happens. A major theft or act of vandalism not only costs money to recover from, it can put progress back considerably if work is suspended or curtailed in the aftermath of an incident. Good security is cheap at the price if it helps prevent these. Outside help Specialists offering the latest in building site security tech and expertise can help monitor a site round the clock and organise a response to incidents, and modern CCTV systems help protect construction sites of all types and sizes. Modern cameras and alarms developed for site surveillance can run without mains power, and can be moved easily so as to be in the best position as and when the site changes its configuration as work progresses. Inside help: good security practices A sad fact about many construction sites is the sometimes poor standards of diligence when observing everyday good security procedures. There have been instances of ID of site personnel not being checked properly, entrances left open – especially parts of fencing when moved aside temporality to allow a large machine access to the site or for a large delivery to be made. Basics such as doors left unlocked and keys left in machines abound unfortunately. While human error is perhaps inevitable from time to time, many sites could benefit from more stringent internal security procedures. Benefitting Health and Safety Building site security isn’t only about safeguarding premises and property; it’s also highly beneficial in helping maintain good Health and Safety standards throughout the site. This can encompass various aspects: Site access – you should run your site without putting members of the public at risk. Using CCTV and access control systems is a major step in ensuring only authorised personnel access the site. Fire – hazardous and flammable materials are to be found on many sites, and some have even more if, for example, demolition work is being carried out. Therefore, good fire alarms  and CCTV systems can monitor and protect so as to keep a fire hazard area as safe as possible. General monitoring – diligent CCTV monitoring can help areas stay as safe as possible; a potentially hazardous or other wise dangerous situation can be flagged up quickly if caught on CCTV to help ensure a safe working environment. Identification – It is important for your site staff to be recognised. Having the right ID is important and will help from any unauthorised staff being where they should not. You can see examples of this from fake ID cards topfakid. There is much more legislation concerning building, design and construction. Ultimately, good site security will help your business in terms of avoiding the disruption and heavy expenses involved in dealing with an incidence of theft or vandalism. Also, further disruption and injury to personnel can be avoided if your site security provisions are used to monitor Health and Safety related activities too.

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Construction Site Theft: VPS Site Security backs campaign as equipment theft rockets 35%

VPS Site Security, responsible for Europe’s largest fleet of CCTV Towers, has backed a ‘Secure It, Keep It’ campaign to reduce a rising trend in construction crime. Ireland’s Construction Industry Federation, together with Ireland’s National Police and Security Service reported a 35% rise in construction crime last year.  Vehicle theft from building sites made up over 40% of these crimes. “This staggering rise in thefts in Ireland is likely to be reflected across the UK and Northern Ireland experience also, where the latest estimates calculate plant and equipment worth up to £2 million a day is stolen from construction sites” comments Mark Wilson, Head of Operations at VPS Site Security. “So little of the stolen tools and equipment are recovered, the key to managing down this cost is to get the security right first time.” VPS Site Security has listed their ‘Great Eight’ Secure It, Keep it checklist tips: Set up CCTV – JCB SmartTowers, with day and night vision cameras, remote control movement and both pre-recorded and live response audible warning systems are “like having several guards 24/7 on site.” Check and secure perimeters Fences or hoardings are effective to keep a compound secure Deploy good lighting especially when the clocks go back (October 28th) Keep the number of gates to site entrance to a minimum Temporary security alarms should be used that can operate without external power and be easily relocated as the construction site develops Control access to the site – and use the CCTV to help monitor and check visitors Store your tools and equipment in a secure area – some sites use sea containers to lock up and store their equipment Report all thefts and suspicious activity on sites to the police VPS Site Security provide inspections for construction sites to help identify potential security weak spots. VPS      www.vpsgroup.com     Phone: 0330 005 5300

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London Sees Systems that Save Construction 60% on Security Costs

A dramatic switch from human guards to cost-effective smart technologies has been the trend in site security during the past year. Recent schemes carried out by the construction specialist, VPS Site Security, have shown savings of more than 60% in security budgets, which have provided an improved, comprehensive security net 24/7 at lower cost. Costain, GallifordTry, Carillion, Taylor Wimpey and Murphy are among the household names in the construction industry who are deploying CCTV systems to improve security, while also cutting costs, and the technologies are being shown at this month’s London Build, at Olympia on October 26 and 27. Systems such as JCB Smart Towers, that combine the latest cameras with wireless networks, sensors and power sources, can protect even the most challenging environments such as highway construction, day and night, from the safety of a monitoring station. Managing Director at VPS Site Security, Simon Alderson, commented: “Guard patrols have been the traditional approach to secure sites. But a surge in technological developments have proven themselves in recent years, so that better 24/7 protection and safety can be achieved alongside dramatic cost savings. “Mobile patrols may still be required, but even they are much more efficient when deployed with the support of towers, as they can help target problems quickly and efficiently.” The CCTV systems are also being used as safety tools and for traffic management, which add an extra layer of health and safety protection for construction workers and the public alike, which provides both a safety audit and deterrence to taking risks. One example of such a system, the JCB Smart Tower, is being shown at London Build, Olympia, this month on stand F81. Earlier in the year, VPS launched a social media campaign to warn of the risks of playing on construction sites during the summer.

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