3 minute read

24/7 Surveillance

While property protection can be a tricky business, here are some things to consider

By Jeremy White

Whether a construction project is raising walls, a demolition project is tearing them down, or a building is sitting abandoned, properties need to be secure. No one argues the importance of a security strategy to protect a business against evolving threats.

But protecting business property can be tricky when the footprint of that business extends beyond the four walls of a brick-and-mortar location.

In the construction and renovation industry, job sites are often peppered across the country in hard-to-access places. Today, technology allows vacant buildings, demolition projects and construction sites to all be surveilled and secured from anywhere. Each type of job site has its own reasons why 24/7 security is a must.

It is crucial for a business to protect itself from crime, project delays, and losing money—around the clock, no matter what—and innovative technology that combines human intelligence with artificial intelligence can do exactly that.

Hidden Dangers of Abandoned Sites

Vacant and abandoned sites may not seem like places that warrant constant surveillance, but organizations should consider prioritizing security efforts at these sites. They can fall into limbo and often cost more to maintain or tear down than to leave as is. Whether vacant or abandoned, curiosity inevitably attracts trespassers. What curious individuals may not realize is the area they’re exploring can be very dangerous. Old, abandoned sites can pose serious environmental and health risks, like unstable structures, asbestos and lead-infused paint. It’s also important to consider the possibility of squatters taking up residence.

As a company, there is a responsibility to secure these sites so you can reduce insurance liability and protect people from harm—especially when they are not aware of the dangers around them.

Renovations = Prime Crime Target

During a renovation, new materials, supplies and appliances arrive on-site at different times. Leaving materials unsecured makes them a prime target for theft, especially as many of these items have become hard to find with skyrocketing prices in recent years. Take lumber, for example. The high cost combined with lingering supply chain issues may catapult a criminal from contemplating theft into carrying it out.

When you no longer have the supplies needed to move on to the next phase, your entire project falls behind and ultimately leads to monetary losses and frustrated customers. In fact, delays can cost a business more money than replacing stolen materials. However, it’s important to shield yourself from both. Have a plan in place to protect your belongings around the clock so your project timeline stays on schedule.

Dangers of Demolition

Sometimes it’s better to tear down a site and start fresh. Once the demolition decision becomes public knowledge, thieves often think owners don’t care about the property anymore and aren’t keeping a close watch over it. So, the area becomes susceptible to trespassing, vandalism and theft. Pair that with the dilapi- dated infrastructure and demolition sites become a magnet for liability issues.

If a trespasser gets hurt on your property, even while attempting to commit a crime, you may face litigation. The last thing you want is to leave your business exposed to long and expensive legal battles.

Commonsense Security Solutions – Act Now

When it comes to securing sites in various stages of development, common-sense security solutions are a must. This includes “security basics” like:

Setting a perimeter around your property to establish a defined area to secure.

Installing fencing as a barrier to keep trespassers out. Locking up all gates and entrances/exits when the site is not in use. This may seem simple, but often is overlooked. Installing ample lighting. Thieves hate light, so don’t let them hide in darkness.

Finally, perhaps the most important security solution of all is Remote Video Monitoring (RVM). This is where technology packs a big punch. This form of smart video surveillance brings innovative capabilities into physical security strategies. RVM combines high-definition cameras with artificial intelligence.

Together, these systems can spot suspicious activity, and alert virtual guards to take a closer look. If an issue is determined to be a threat, crime deterrence features like strobe lights, pre-recorded announcements and sirens can be deployed. And the best part is you don’t have to be on-site for this to happen. RVM works around the clock no matter where you are, ensuring trespassers and would-be thieves stay out and stay safe.

The security industry and the type of threats are constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to reassess your security strategy at least twice a year. Stay up to date with the latest technology available in order to best secure all job sites, whether they’re going up, coming down, or sitting unwatched and at risk. CCR

This article is from: