Security and crime prevention on building sites

A building site with tools, materials, plants and other machinery lying about can be very inviting to a thief. The site can also be used as a route to break into adjacent premises. You can reduce the risk of crime by sticking to the following guidelines:

• erect scaffolds only when work is ready to begin and take the structure down as soon as work is finished
• remove all ladders and climbing aids nightly and lock them away; if this isn't possible, lock them in a horizontal position, taking care not to obstruct the footway
• take action to prevent protesters and other members of the public getting access to neighbouring buildings by climbing on licensed scaffolding
• make sure unauthorised people cannot gain access to your site
• stop unauthorised people from climbing up any structure by using sheet material, overhangs or other methods
• put extra security lighting on the upper levels at night to deter climbing
• if necessary use onsite security guards outside working hours or use scaffolding alarms
• display a contact board outside the site at all times giving names and telephone numbers of staff who can easily be contacted to respond to any concerns of the police
• note your responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) regarding site security

You can get information and advice from the local crime prevention officer at the nearest Metropolitan Police Station.