Thefts from construction sites: BauWatch calls on construction companies to be extra vigilant because winter is coming

Longer nights, higher risks of theft

Construction sites experience theft of expensive building materials, tools and construction equipment every day.

In France, crime on construction sites is a real concern, with annual damage exceeding 1 billion euros, representing around 1% of the construction sector's turnover. The Building sector, already submerged by an unprecedented materials crisis for more than a year, is currently and directly affected by Russian-Ukrainian tensions which are dramatically intensifying inflation and the shortage of raw materials such as aluminum, tiles, bricks, and tiling; no material seems to be spared.

The price of building materials has also increased, partly due to the war in Ukraine and inflation.

For Mr. Jean-François Mege, Sales Director of BauWatch France : “Theft from construction sites has a cost and a significant impact on construction companies, which may be forced to pause or even completely stop their construction sites. On a vandalized construction site, the costs will be linked to the restoration of the premises or the redemption of the stolen equipment. The entrepreneur will sometimes even have to pay late payment penalties or even additional insurance premium costs. Whatever the case, the impact is always negative on the company's image or the relationship with the end customer. BauWatch was created to anticipate, advise and avoid all these problems. Our highly visible video technology also plays a dissuasive role and our solutions are flexible and adaptable if necessary. »

Increase in copper theft, staggering figures

Copper thefts, for example, have increased in recent years. Recently, Aurubis, the largest copper producer in Europe, has been in the news. In a few years, a criminal organization would have managed to steal more than 100 million euros worth of metals from this German factory.

In 2022, the Orange company disclosed having been the target of thefts equivalent to more than 140 tonnes of copper, over a period of one year, and this, only in the Pays de la Loire region.

This situation highlights the pressing need for vigilance and innovation to mitigate the impact of theft in the construction world and provide an adequate solution to this growing problem.

The solution ? GreenLight, the video surveillance tower for the security of sensitive sites

The protection offered by GreenLight is twofold. Its 2 green light projectors illuminate the entire site and dissuade potential intruders from taking action. At the slightest break-in attempt, intruders are immediately detected by its 3 cameras, thanks to its automatic detection algorithm.

Video surveillance images are analyzed online by the 24/7 alarm center of BauWatch, its remote surveillance agents can view live images, intervene via the tower's speakers to scare away intruders or directly notify law enforcement.