Current study: Crime Report 2024

Current study: Eight out of ten construction site managers in Germany experience theft at least once a year.

Construction delays, loss of productivity and financial losses: due to the increasing number of thefts on construction sites, companies in the industry are having to develop ever more sophisticated countermeasures. This is the conclusion of the latest Crime Report 2024 from BauWatch. The European industry leader in mobile video surveillance surveyed 500 construction site managers for this study. One key finding: two thirds of respondents are convinced that construction site crime will have increased in 2023.

80 per cent of the survey participants also stated that they experience theft at their work sites at least once a year. Just under a fifth said that thefts occur several times a year at their construction sites. Furthermore, criminal strategies are becoming increasingly sophisticated and professional. In this context, BauWatch advises a multi-level deterrence and security concept to prevent criminal behaviour and avoid serious consequences. Klaus Maskort, Managing Director of BauWatch Projekt Service GmbH Germany, explains: "Our report shows that the feeling of a lack of security can have a significant impact on employee morale and well-being. Personal safety and the protection of property on construction sites are crucial to efficiency and productivity."

Theft delays construction projects and damages reputations

Experts estimate that the German construction industry suffers losses of over 80 million euros as a result of theft - and the trend is rising. In the BauWatch Crime Report, those affected describe the consequences: For example, they stated that 43 per cent of all projects were delayed due to construction site crime, including theft and vandalism. Almost a quarter of respondents reported a delay in construction progress of up to four weeks. In one in eight cases, construction projects cannot be continued at all. This leads to cost increases and damage to the image of the companies concerned.

When it comes to the type of stolen goods, the survey comes to the conclusion that expensive machinery only accounts for 8 per cent of the most frequently stolen goods on construction sites, while vehicles (cars and vans) account for 7 per cent. Small tools are stolen much more frequently. In more than half of the cases (53 per cent), the cost of stolen items was between 585 and 4,650 euros: however, supposedly small thefts can quickly add up if they are repeatedly not recognised.

Copper and cables are particularly popular with thieves

Copper is sought-after and expensive. It is therefore not surprising that 46 per cent of respondents stated that it was the most popular stolen item. The BauWatch data also shows that cables account for 47 per cent of thefts. These cables are often stolen from railway and telecommunications installations. Copper thieves struck around 450 times on German railways last year. The damage totalled 7 million euros.

The challenge of inadequate security

Reliable security measures could significantly minimise theft on construction sites. However, the BauWatch study reveals an enormous lack of consideration of preventative measures. More than a third of the construction experts surveyed stated that security on their construction sites was a "low priority". This is despite almost half (48 per cent) calling for companies to think about safety measures before construction begins. "It's important to recognise that safety on construction sites is a shared responsibility. Each of us, from managing directors to site managers to the small subcontractor on site, has a crucial role to play in preventing theft and vandalism," comments Klaus Maskort.

Four top tips: How to curb construction site crime

BauWatch suggests various recommendations for action to put a stop to criminals and support companies:

1. Visible measures visible measures such as camera towers and temporary fences are an effective deterrent, as they can dissuade opportunist thieves from taking spontaneous chances. Good lighting can also deter thieves.

2. Clear communication and regular training give employees the know-how they need to secure construction sites appropriately. Training materials should be made available digitally and in printed form. Teams should also be informed about best practice measures, including removing keys from machinery and locking gates.

3. Companies should not save money in the wrong place and should instead invest in high-performance systems for construction site safety systems: They help to protect both materials and employees.

4. The Threat situation should always be individually individually assessed and adapted for each project. Flexibility is required. When taking security measures, companies should keep an eye on upcoming public holidays when sites are vulnerable. A traffic light system can be an effective solution here. For example, red indicates that the threat level is high.