As the May bank holiday and other upcoming holidays approach, construction site theft has become a growing concern across Ireland. With longer days and school holidays, these sites have become prime targets for opportunistic thieves. At Tower Security, we understand the unique challenges faced by Irish construction site owners and are here to help you safeguard your valuable assets.

The Holiday Threat

During these holidays, construction sites experience a significant rise in theft incidents. Reports indicate a 35% increase in thefts, with over €7.8 million worth of items stolen annually. This surge is largely due to the increased activity from children and young adults who frequent these sites during their time off from school.

Financial and Operational Impact

The financial impact of construction site theft is substantial. The cost of replacing stolen equipment, project delays, and increased insurance premiums can quickly add up. In fact, the average cost of a holiday theft incident is 20% higher than usual. Additionally, theft often leads to significant operational disruptions, with a 30% increase in project delays due to stolen high-value items like copper and cable.

Key Statistics Highlighting the Risks

• Copper Price Increase: The price of copper in Ireland is currently around €5.70 per kilogram, making it a lucrative target for thieves. This has led to a 25% increase in copper theft incidents during the holidays.
• Rising Alerts: Reports indicate a 40% surge in theft alerts during the holidays, with criminals using sophisticated methods like drones to easily target vulnerable sites.
• Low Recovery Rates: The recovery rate for stolen construction equipment remains low, with less than 7% of stolen items being recovered, even during the holidays.
• Criminal Damage and Trespassing: Criminal damage and trespassing on construction sites see a sharp 25% rise during holidays, leading to heightened security concerns and increased safety risks.
• Sophisticated Operations: In a notable case, Gardaí in Longford discovered stolen industrial and plant machinery valued at over €500,000, which was traced back to a criminal gang.
• Operational Disruptions: Theft during holidays often leads to significant operational disruptions, with a 30% increase in project delays due to stolen high-value items like copper and cable.

The Role of Criminal Gangs

Organised criminal gangs are a major contributor to construction site theft. These gangs use sophisticated methods to steal and transport machinery, often operating across borders. The recovery rate for stolen items remains alarmingly low, with less than 7% of stolen construction equipment being recovered.

Protecting Your Site

Here are some security measures you can implement for effective construction site theft prevention:

• Install CCTV Towers: Our advanced CCTV towers provide 24/7 surveillance, deterring criminal activity and ensuring site security.
• Remote Monitoring: Utilise remote monitoring to keep an eye on your site in real-time, reducing the need for on-site security personnel.
• Enhanced Lighting: Ensure your site is well-lit to deter thieves and make it easier to spot suspicious activity.
• Secure Storage: Store valuable equipment and materials in secure, locked containers when not in use.

Don’t let the May bank holiday and other upcoming holidays become a time of loss and disruption for your construction site. Contact Tower Security today to learn more about our comprehensive security solutions and how we can help protect your site from theft.

Secure your site now and enjoy peace of mind this holiday season!