Preventing Building site theft

Windows and Door Locks

At lock-up stage, ensure the building becomes more vulnerable to theft.

Ensure that all doors and windows have adequate locks fitted and that all locks are engaged when the site is unoccupied.
Delivery of Appliances

• Try to coordinate the delivery of expensive appliances to coincide with their installation.
•  Don't leave appliance packaging in view, as it provides a visible cue for potential thieves.
• The builder/owner should ensure that all master keys are accounted for. Recover keys no longer
  required by tradesmen and delivery contractors as soon as possible.
• Have the alarm system activated and operating as soon as possible.
• Monitored alarms are best as they provide a notification service to police from the monitoring agency.

Preventing Building Site Theft and Vandalism

Facts and Figures

• Millions of dollars are lost on home building sites through theft and vandalism.
• Thieves are resourceful and anything on a building site is vulnerable, e.g. tools, materials, timber and especially white goods/appliances.
• Theft from residential construction sites accounts for 1% of the cost of a new home.
• These hidden costs are often passed onto the homebuyer.
• This is part of an overall package developed to assist builders/owners to reduce the incidence of building site theft and vandalism, promote site safety.

Importance of Neighbours

At all stages of the building process, neighbours can play an important part by reporting suspicious behaviour. Get to know immediate neighbours and make your contact details available to them.

Fencing

Some Local Government area have by-laws making suitable fencing mandatory. Temporary fencing can
help reduce the incidence of theft and vandalism. Information on fencing such as builder details and
after-hours contacts prominently displayed on the site will assist the police in responding quickly to
an incident and identifying a specific house lot construction site.

Power/Lighting

If street lighting has not yet been activated, consider placing some form of temporary lighting illuminating
the front and footpath areas of the building site.

Coordinated Deliveries

Where possible coordinate deliveries of materials and goods to coincide with their use or installation by
tradesmen. Most thefts occur when items such as windows and timber are left out unattended for
extended periods of time

Need more help or advice? Call us 1300 767 787