Theft from construction sites: losses exceeding a billion euros

• 68% have observed at least one theft in their workplace each year.
• 66% were victims of theft worth more than 2.000 euros
• A third of construction sites (33%) experienced delays due to criminal incidents, such as theft and vandalism
• 45% indicated that copper was the most coveted material
• 13% increase in theft of construction equipment over the last two years.

Construction sites are prime targets for thieves, because there are power tools & portable equipment, materials, construction equipment, as well as vehicles and employees' personal effects. The frequent turnover of staff, the constant coming and going of subcontractors, the mobility of work teams, as well as the ephemeral nature of projects, make these places particularly vulnerable to criminal activities.

€1 billion in annual losses caused by theft in the construction sector

Theft represents a major challenge for the construction sector, causing losses estimated at more than a billion euros annually, or around 1% of the sector's total turnover. This estimate does not even take into account unreported incidents.

In a context marked by persistent inflation, which is driving up the price of goods as well as the cost of living, analyzes reveal that the situation is becoming more and more critical.

68% attest to having observed at least one theft in their workplace each year

The intensity of crime on construction sites is even more alarming than one might think: around 68% of respondents attest to having observed at least one theft in their workplace each year.

In addition, almost a fifth (23%) report being confronted with these criminal acts every two to three months, highlighting a worrying frequency of these incidents.

1/3 of construction sites suffer delays due to criminal incidents

41% of professionals surveyed indicated that more than a third of construction sites (33%) experienced delays due to criminal incidents, such as theft and vandalism. In one in four cases (25%), these actions led to the replacement of materials, causing significant delays.

Even more alarming, in 9% of cases, such misdeeds led to a complete suspension of operations.

Copper and cable are priority targets

39% of thefts recorded in the construction sector concern cabling.

Copper and cables, due to their key role in the energy transition and their price, stand out as coveted targets.

The scarcity of copper, combined with its essential role in the deployment of green technologies - wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles - is the reason for its designation by 45% as the main target of thefts. The ease with which copper can be stolen compounds the problem.

The thieves operate with formidable efficiency, so dozens of copper coils can be stolen in a few minutes.

Nighttime theft operations are completed within 20 to 30 minutes, revealing alarming organization and speed on the part of the criminals. The rise in the price of cables, having more than doubled in five years, is increasing interest in these precious materials. Currently, a ton of copper can be sold for up to €10.000, or even more on the black market. The frequency of thefts is such that incidents occur without interruption, with a notable increase in cases over the last 5 years.

The scourge of machine theft

13% increase in theft of construction equipment over the last two years.

Despite their imposing size, construction equipment is the target of organized criminal networks. The latter have the capacity to load these machines on board trucks in order to drive them across borders. 25% of vehicles in the construction sector do not benefit from a sufficient level of safety.

In addition, a large majority of stolen professional equipment (96%) is never found. These thefts affect the construction sector with serious financial consequences for the affected companies. Work interruptions due to these thefts have a strong impact on the organization (74% in construction). Ultimately, 66% of victim companies estimate that the financial damage can reach up to 10.000 euros.

The hidden side of construction site theft

Small tools represent 66% of stolen items. Its small size, facilitating both theft and discreet resale, makes it a prime target for criminals.

This unstable situation generates various consequences for the projects and their actors. To compensate for the material losses, a quarter of the construction industry had to replace the stolen materials, generating considerable expenses.

Furthermore, 16% of workers are forced to replace the personal equipment used at their own expense, thus worsening their financial situation. In addition, for 15% of individuals affected by these thefts, the repercussions go so far as to lead to job loss.

Even more worrying, in extreme situations, 5% of people suffered physical or psychological damage, demonstrating the extent of the dangers that threaten construction sites.

Lack of security promotes crime

35% say safety was considered a low priority on the job sites where they work.

67% said companies should consider safety measures before construction begins.

Weak security measures on construction sites contribute to the escalation of crime, revealing a vicious circle where the absence of adequate measures facilitates theft. The study highlights wavering confidence in the prevention strategies adopted by entrepreneurs, as well as in the effectiveness of security companies' interventions. Surprisingly, more than a third of professionals surveyed consider security a secondary priority, despite the fact that 37% emphasize the importance of planning security measures from the start of the project.

Who are these criminals?

Internal Accomplices: 29% of crimes are carried out by internal accomplices

Internal accomplices are perhaps the most complex category of thieves to detect. They account for almost a third (29%) of theft incidents. On a construction site, the abundant presence of subcontractors and craftsmen, recruited for specific tasks, provides fertile ground for these thieves to act under cover of an 'official' identity, thus avoiding any suspicion.

In the context of large-scale construction projects, where the flow of temporary workers is constant, the application of a rigorous access control policy proves difficult. As a result, many businesses find themselves helpless in the face of this scourge. This combination of factors creates an environment particularly conducive to criminal acts.

Opportunists: 39% of crimes are carried out by “opportunists”

According to 39%, opportunistic crime represents the most widespread form of theft. These are thieves on the lookout for easily accessible items left in plain sight, such as spare fuel or wiring. Their strategy is to choose targets that are easy and quick to steal, without requiring careful planning of the burglary, thus exploiting inattention and lack of security.

Organized Crime: 11% of crimes are carried out by “organized crime”

Then there are organized criminal networks: experienced, equipped and prepared groups capable of stealing high-value goods or several objects simultaneously. They commit nearly 11% of offenses, favoring nighttime operations. In fact, a third of workers (35%) surveyed perceive an increase in crime on construction sites during the fall and winter, periods marked by longer nights.

However, it often happens that seasoned criminals enter construction sites in broad daylight, posing as workers, in order to steal objects.

They often benefit from precise information, have elaborate escape strategies and take advantage of lax rules for access to construction sites.

Faced with the increase in crime, what immediate measures should be taken?

Focus on Deterrence

It is much easier to prevent a crime than to remedy it after the fact. Visible deterrents, such as CCTV towers and temporary fencing, play a key role in deterring malicious intent. Indeed, most opportunistic thieves will hesitate to act in the face of such measures. Permanent video surveillance systems stand out as the preferred security option, with 26% of professionals surveyed adopting them to protect their sites. Good lighting is also crucial: it can deter criminals by illuminating shadowy areas that could serve as hiding places.

Accentuate communication and training

Ensuring transparent communication and providing ongoing, methodical training are essential to raising awareness among construction site teams of the crucial importance of safety. It is vital to instill this priority from the start, through uniform induction sessions, while maintaining training records through digital and physical copies. Each session should emphasize safety, complemented by informal discussions specific to each site.

It is also important to remind teams of basic practices such as removing keys from machines after use, securing them in lockable boxes and ensuring all barriers are locked to prevent any avoidable incidents. Additionally, teams should keep security providers informed of their routines and any changes to their operations, to reduce the risk of false alerts and enhance the effectiveness of the security measures put in place.

Prioritize Security

Construction projects require major investments, and the idea of ​​incurring additional costs for safety may seem counterintuitive. However, this perspective is misleading, as the financial consequences of a lack of security can be much more serious. Consider investing in security as an essential preventative measure to ensure the success of your project and the protection of equipment and teams.

Be agile

Each project evolves on a specific schedule, requiring continuous assessment and adjustment of threat level.

For example, when finalizing a residential construction project, the accumulation of assembly tools and the presence of valuable items such as boilers increases the risk of theft. Companies should consider increasing their security during public holidays, periods when job sites remain unoccupied and therefore more exposed. The adoption of a traffic light signaling system could prove beneficial. Red would alert the team to an increased threat level, whether due to the presence of easily transportable or high-value objects, the activity of subcontractors and personnel on site, or even damaged fences.

*The survey was carried out in October 2023 by OnePoll. 500 French professionals in the construction sector were surveyed on demographic criteria such as age, gender, position held, field of activity and the size of their company.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.