Construction sites in New Zealand continue to be an attractive target for theft, burglary, trespass, vandalism and other crimes, primarily after-hours.  Most development sites are without security at night, allowing thieves and burglars to steal high value items with limited deterrence or chance of being caught.

Several reported cases of building site theft and vandalism have occurred in the country in recent years, such as the series of missing items from sites and work vehicles recorded in the Tauranga region back in 2022. Just last month, multiple items, including aluminium joinery, were taken from a housing construction site in Dannevirke.

Investing in a solar-powered building site security camera from Spectur NZ can mitigate the risk of criminals stealing materials or worse after-hours through active on-site deterrence, capturing of evidence for prosecution and even optional guard or police call out.

Why Thieves Target Construction Sites

Before diving into how Spectur’s wireless solar cameras can be beneficial in significantly improving construction site security, it’s important to understand why construction yards are usually victims of theft and burglary. Several factors contribute to the attractiveness of building sites to lawbreakers, including:

· Lack of Security

As stated, most construction zones are left alone after-hours, with only a handful of developers having 24-7 operations or onsite security to deter thieves and criminals. There’s also high and predictable likelihood that the site will be unoccupied for extended periods, especially during holidays or weekends. This creates a significant security gap that gives offenders a prime opportunity to steal valuable items.

· Accessibility Issues

There are often multiple construction projects in an urban area, providing criminals with an opportunity to scout the locations and find the most accessible one. The lawbreakers can observe how stringent security is on a particular site and determine if there are other entry points with minimal security or surveillance that will allow them to access the yard.   Some sites have fencing and lighting as a deterrent, but many have nothing at all.  

· Storing Materials in Bulk

Developers usually store various materials, including bricks, diesel and metals, in bulk, and they are usually not covered or hidden even during off-hours. It is difficult to keep track of items that are stolen in small quantities, especially if there are large piles of specific material stored in a particular area. This can have a significant impact on quantifying losses, especially if inventory records are not meticulously maintained.

· Tools and Plant

Constructions sites usually contain valuable mobile plant or tools that are easily re-sold if stolen.  In many cases, it is not practical to remove these valuable items from site or fully secure them each day, increasing the vulnerability to theft.

The Growing Need to Invest in Construction Site Cameras

Criminal activities on construction yards cost developers worldwide around $300 million to a billion dollars every year. However, apart from incurring significant losses and replacement costs, successful theft attempts can lead to extensive operational disruptions that can cause project delays and increased labour expenses, which can further strain the budget for the site.

Maximising Protection with Spectur’s Construction Site Cameras

Construction site cameras can greatly improve crime deterrence in project areas across New Zealand. The presence of visible cameras acts as a strong deterrent to criminals, especially for larger and more complex development sites where security guards can’t be in particular areas at all times.

The capability to produce high-resolution footage and the integration of advanced security features of Spectur’s CCTV cameras provide several benefits, including:

· Real-Time and Remote Monitoring

One of the prime advantages of investing in Spectur’s construction CCTV camera solutions is the opportunity to monitor the area in real time. The cameras can directly feed footage to various devices, allowing security personnel and site managers to detect threats early and intervene as fast as possible.  

It also allows for optimal remote location surveillance, which is crucial for smaller construction projects that will not have a dedicated space for a monitoring team. This ensures that developers and security professionals can still keep an eye on the site despite being in a far location, enabling them to mitigate unauthorized access to the site.  

· Audio and Visual Warning to Intruders

Thieves are naturally risk-takers, and sometimes, even if there is a highly visible CCTV camera around, they just don’t care. Spectur’s solar camera systems for construction sites are built with audio broadcast systems and floodlights or strobes that can deliver real-time warnings to intruders, clearly communicating that the site is heavily monitored.

The built-in audio system in Spectur’s cameras can be programmed to have pre-recorded messages or warnings that will automatically blast out in conjunction with floodlights or strobes when an event is detected.

Audio warnings can significantly impact criminals’ minds, potentially discouraging them from proceeding with their plans. Hearing a live or pre-recorded message lets them know that an immediate response to illegal access will be initiated, making them flee without taking anything with them.

· Advanced AI Security Features

A camera and audio system are already helpful in preventing site theft and vandalism. But at Spectur NZ, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is a game changer for those looking to fully optimize their site security measures.

For example, the STA6-240X and HD6 camera systems are built to efficiently Sense, Think, and Act for developers. The camera and sensors can be connected to processors that ensure live site data all day long. The built-in AI is programmed to continuously work to interpret data from the feed and give onsite alarms, app alerts, and other functions if needed.

There is also no need to worry about false alarms as AI can effectively differentiate human and vehicle activity from other types of movement, allowing you to use active deterrents with confidence. 

· Identification of Criminals and Number of Items Missing

There are instances when lawbreakers can conduct a successful theft attempt even with the presence of a camera. But having HD of 4K footage of the incident will allow for the documentation and identification of suspects, especially those who don’t cover their faces.

Spectur’s wireless solar cameras can also provide a record of the events leading up to and following a theft, which is invaluable for law enforcement, safety or other investigations.

In addition, a building site camera can also help determine the extent of the theft or vandalism and identify how many items or materials are missing. This can help developers with insurance claims and manage their inventory in the long run.

Maximise Site Security with Spectur!

The constant growth of burglary cases in construction yards makes investing in cutting-edge CCTV cameras a no-brainer for site developers in New Zealand. This proactive and effective approach to improving security for small and large development sites can ensure that valuable assets are protected and project delays are mitigated.

If you are looking for the best NZ solar security camera for your ongoing or upcoming projects, then Spectur New Zealand is for you. Connect with our specialist today by calling 0800 802 960 or visiting https://spectur.co.nz/contact-us/ to learn more about how our innovative surveillance cameras improve your project’s security.