Thefts of tools and equipment from building sites are increasingly being carried out by organised criminal groups, according to security bosses, amid warnings that the crimewave could accelerate during the Christmas construction shutdown.
Copper cables, tools and even telehandlers and diggers costing tens of thousands of pounds have been stolen in recent months, according to the security firm Kingdom Systems.
Now there are concerns that there could be a spate of thefts during the annual closure of construction sites, which sometimes last as long as two weeks over the festive period.
Criminals often exploit long winter-nights as they look to break into sites, hoping to make off with the most costly tools and equipment stored there.
“Darkness helps thieves to move in the shadows,” said Paul Worsley, the chief services officer at Kingdom Services, which runs temporary CCTV for more than 100 construction sites across Scotland and northern England.
“They use the Christmas period as an opportunity because construction sites close for a longer period and there is less chance of them being spotted by someone coming on to site.”
Construction site thefts have soared amid the cost of living crisis, Worsley said, while the greater availability of battery-powered, cordless angle grinders has led to more thieves attempting to break the locks of buildings or storage cabins.
The National Federation of Builders (NFB), a trade organisation that represents regional contractors and small- and medium-sized housebuilders, has calculated tool theft costs the industry almost £100m a year and has put traders and companies out of business.
“I have never met a member who has not had an issue with tool theft or site theft,” said Rico Wojtulewicz, the head of policy and market insight at the NFB .
“One member suffered two incidents of theft during last year’s Christmas period. He said he is not looking forward to this year.”
In the past, thieves have targeted copper cables, steel and piping. However, they are increasingly going after tools and equipment, which industry representatives believe signals the involvement of organised criminal groups.
“They have the ability to get this equipment started, they know how to drive it,” said Worsley. “To move big plant equipment on, you have to know what you are doing.”
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is calling for greater deterrents for thieves. A bill proposing harsher sentences for those convicted of tool theft is making its way through parliament.
“Many small- and medium-sized enterprises are already feeling the burden of increased costs and chasing payments, so the cost of having to replace their tools can be difficult to bear at any time, least of all Christmas,” said David Barnes, the head of policy and public affairs at the CIOB.
Security companies say good lighting may deter some thieves, while they also advise that construction firms group containers or storage units in one area in the centre of a site away from fences, to allow better monitoring.
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