Intelligent surveillance in the face of preventing theft on construction sites, differences between classic and intelligent surveillance

Construction sites are prime targets for thieves, because there are power tools and portable equipment, materials, construction equipment, but also 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.

Focus on deterrence, of course

It is much easier to prevent a crime than to remedy it after the fact. And easy measures can be considered: setting up dissuasive signage (construction site prohibited, monitored, etc.), specific fences, closing, locking and activation of anti-theft systems for equipment, moving unused tools and equipment out of the area. view of passers-by and also not supplying construction sites too far in advance and on the eve of holidays and weekends.

These measures must comply with laws and regulations in order to guarantee the safety of people, workers and visitors.

The importance of complementarity between security and automated solutions

Traditional security, which includes the presence of agents filtering entrances and exits to the site, carrying out opening and closing rounds as well as random patrols, is a classic way of monitoring a site. This is done by ensuring that these agents have a professional card and specific training in the field of construction and associated procedures.

However, this approach has certain limitations. Patrols often have predictable schedules, and weather conditions or fatigue can reduce guards' effectiveness. In the event of an intrusion, human intervention can also endanger agents, and legal constraints limit their ability to act.

This is why it is essential to integrate automated solutions in addition to traditional guarding to maximize the effectiveness of surveillance. Automated security systems, such as smart surveillance cameras, motion sensors and alarm systems, operate around the clock without the risk of fatigue or distraction from external conditions. They can detect intrusions in real time and immediately alert guards, enabling a faster and safer response.

By combining human guarding and automated technologies, we benefit from the advantages of each approach, thus increasing the overall safety of the construction site. Security guards can focus on tasks requiring human intervention, while automated systems provide continuous, uninterrupted monitoring. This complementarity makes it possible to overcome the limitations of traditional security and to considerably improve the protection of construction sites.

The advantages of temporary video surveillance

More than fixed cameras that take a long time to install, video surveillance towers with HD cameras equipped with AI, motion sensors, and automatic alert systems can provide 24/7 surveillance, capable of detecting and reacting immediately any intrusion using loudspeakers.

At BauWatch there are 2 temporary solutions, the BauWatch GreenLight tower to monitor sites even at night with 2 green light projectors which illuminate the entire site and deter 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.

The BauWatch Solar tower is a stand-alone solution powered by solar panels for sites without power. It works whatever the weather conditions. If clouds obscure the sun, the system automatically switches to the built-in alternative energy source.

For these 2 solutions, GreenLight and Solar, the video surveillance images are analyzed online by BauWatch's 24/7 alarm center, its remote surveillance agents can view the images live, intervene via the tower's speakers to put the intruders to flight or directly notify the police. And in 99% of cases of intrusions, calling via loudspeaker is enough to scare away the intruders.

While CCTV cameras are a valuable tool for improving safety and preventing theft on construction sites, they should be used responsibly and in accordance with the law. Construction companies must ensure that workers and visitors are made aware of the presence of CCTV cameras, that data collected is minimal, that images are stored securely, and that requirements for storing and sharing images are respected.

By respecting these rules, construction companies can benefit from all the advantages of on-site video surveillance and effectively protect themselves from thefts which unfortunately have become all too common and generate excessive losses and delays.

Tribune by Nicolas Mouly, Marketing Director of Bauwatch France (LinkedIn).