Special to Ontario Construction News
The theft of valuable raw materials, machinery and equipment remains a plague for Ontarian businesses. Some recent examples highlight the targeted and professional efforts that criminals will go to steal from the $160-plus billion Canadian construction industry from Toronto to Ottawa. Add in politically motivated or casual acts of vandalism and trespass, and operators have a growing problem on their hands.
No matter how much is spent on perimeter defense, theft and crime have reached industrial proportions, with construction sites viewed as easy targets. Organized national and international criminals find easy pickings by selling valuable materials like copper, industrial tools and excavators at home or abroad within weeks of their theft from an unsuspecting site operator.
Hardening the Site Perimeter to Deter and Prevent Theft
The rapid development across business and domestic properties across Ontario, and the need to move from site to site, leaves many construction sites protected by temporary or insecure fencing and protective measures. An occasional drive-around by a lone security guard, with a few cameras around the gate area are not enough to dissuade criminals.
Smarter technology is just one of the fixes that can improve security, with a focus on smart physical security solutions helping site managers improve security. The smart approach sees the whole site considered for weak points on the perimeter and inside, not just at the entrance points.
Intruder sensors, hardened, more flexible cameras, and access control provide greater visibility across the site. From a central control point, the flow of live information enables operators to protect their valuables better and make it harder for criminals to find a vulnerable spot to make their breach.
A strong approach to physical technology and smart technology can spot and sound the alarm faster than traditional methods. By detecting, deterring and delaying criminals, and speeding up an appropriate response from security or authorities, there is less chance of a successful crime. Or more evidence is collected, should they make it out of the work site gates, supporting recovery and prosecution.
Making Construction Sites Less Predictable
Construction site schedules and work activity zones are alarmingly predictable. While the flow of materials and site plant must meet a schedule, keeping valuables in secure areas and removing machinery as soon as it is not required deter criminals. Similarly, downtime security checks should be randomized to prevent criminals planning a timetabled robbery, and new features like roving automated ground and air drones can provide coverage 24/7 and further complicate any criminal plan.
There is also a lack of knowledge about site security responsibility and overall knowledge about criminal activity among contractors and suppliers. Contractor emails, information boards and other methods can increase awareness across all site workers, while encouraging them to be aware of known criminals operating in the area, suspicious vehicles, and their agents trying to gain information about future movements. Create a “call this number” line or messaging system for workers to report suspicious activity.
With thefts to the value of $5,000 coming under Section 334(a), with a 10-year maximum penalty, sites should also highlight the risks and costs of crime. Criminal actions can also put site owners at risk under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA, amended in March 2025, is your site compliant?), encouraging workers to report suspicious behavior.
The Impact of Crime on Construction Businesses
Unlike the retail trade, where crime is considered normal and security and staff are often encouraged not to intervene. The loss from construction crime can impact small businesses seriously and create a sting of reputational damage to larger organizations which are repeat victims.
Improved and smarter security helps businesses comply with the new OHSA rules, such as 24/7 automated or human monitoring, reducing the risk of claims and lawsuits. And new security staff standards will help improve the quality and value of on-site staff, collaborating with management and contractors to improve crime awareness.
While much of the focus is on crime, there are plenty of political, environmental and other protests that might impact construction through blockages or trespass. Businesses will want to be on the right side of the law when these events occur, and to protect the protestors from their own actions or ignorance about site safety.
All of which is easier to manage with smart, proactive physical security that can ensure the right response, faster while providing a strong evidence trail for compliance and legal teams.
