BUSINESS
Securing Your
Construction Site
As thefts from heavy construction sites continue
to harm Saskatchewan businesses, police urge
contractors to mark their tools and invest in security
By Julia Peterson
Theft is a serious and persistent problem on heavy construction
sites in Canada. In fact, a recent survey of Canadian
construction companies showed each one being victimized
by theft twice a year on average. That same survey found less than a quarter
of the stolen equipment was recovered. Here in Saskatchewan, theft
remains a serious issue, with expensive tools and vehicles disappearing
from job sites across the province. But police departments say there are
good ways for companies to protect themselves from theft and keep their
sites secure.
While the Regina Police Service does not keep statistics on theft from
heavy construction sites specifically, acting manager of public information
and strategic communication Les Parker says there are some patterns in
terms of what is likely to be taken.
“The most targeted items we see are tools and copper,” he said. “Copper
wiring is easy to sell, and there’s a lot of copper wire typically on construction
sites. And with tools and copper, it’s very hard to make them traceable.
These things aren’t of a huge price but they’re easy to sell. I mean, a tool is
a tool, right? So you (may not) recognize yours in a pile of recovered tools.
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