Deciding upon security for your construction site isn’t as simple as it once was. Whilst, in some cases, contractual/insurance obligations sometimes take that choice away from us, the rise in technology means that a lot of people are left wondering-
What are my options and what is the best solution for protecting my site?
Regardless of your current situation, the most fundamental security choice you face is, arguably, whether to opt for a physical presence or a CCTV system.
In this post, we explore the different levels of security available, comparing the ‘human’ provision with its ‘electronic’ counterpart.
Let’s begin…
Mobile Patrol Vs. Budget CCTV for Your Construction Site
We begin our comparison with the more ‘cost-friendly’ options for your construction site security. Both mobile patrols and budget CCTV systems can act as a deterrent for would-be thieves, but don’t offer the level of functionality that the more ‘top-end’ security solutions provider.
Mobile Security Patrol Advantages
- Patrol sequences can be varied
- Thorough checks on doors windows, perimeters, containers, vehicles, plant and machinery to check for tampering.
- When seen, deters potential intruders.
- Can be SIA licensed, meaning guards have undergone appropriate training.
- Additional support services – liaising with glaziers and alarm engineers, for example.
Mobile Security Patrol Considerations
- Not always on site.
- If patrol sequences aren’t varied, intruders can spot and exploit scheduling patterns.
Budget CCTV Advantages
- Can look impressive – acting as a deterrent.
- Records activity so intruders can be identified.
- Cost effective.
Budget CCTV Considerations
- Crime is often recorded and reviewed after the event.
- No additional analytics features (such as in-app integration, non-human differentiation).
- Doesn’t provide additional support services.
- Can’t carry out equipment checks for tampering.
Static Guards Vs. Infrared CCTV for your Construction Site
Moving up a grade, we explore static guards and infrared alarm trigger CCTV, which both offer added security protection for your construction site when compared to mobile patrols and more budget CCTV options.
Static Guard Advantages
• A full-time presence
• Will carry out thorough checks on doors windows, perimeters, containers, vehicles, plant and machinery to check for tampering.
• When seen, can look intimidating to potential intruders.
• Can be SIA licensed, meaning guards have undergone appropriate training.
• Additional support services – liaising with glaziers and alarm engineers, for example.
• Immediate response time.
Static Guard Considerations
- May not see all crimes being committed.
- Can be more expensive than CCTV.
- Using a reliable, accredited provider will mean the difference between an effective and poor guarding service.
Infrared CCTV Advantages
- 24/7 protection
- Can detect body and engine heat at a greater distance.
- Long battery life
- Immediate escalation to nominated key-holders if trigger verified as an intrusion.
Infrared CCTV Considerations
- Can be difficult to make out the shapes of objects.
- Not always HD quality
- Doesn’t offer additional analytics (such as in-app integration and non-human differentiation)
Dog Handlers Vs. Analytic CCTV for your Construction Site
Now, we arrive at the ‘higher-end’ options for construction sites that are at a heightened risk of crime. Both dog handlers and analytic CCTV offer superior construction site security provision and, if you read last week’s post, you’ll be aware of the advancements in CCTV analytics.
That’s not to say, however, that CCTV out-performs dog handlers. The following table should provide a fair, impartial comparison.
Dog Handler Advantages
- Dogs have heightened senses (especially German Shepherds, who can smell 1,000 to 1 million times more than humans, as well as detect movement and hearing more effectively).
- ‘On demand’ bark provides a strong psychological deterrent.
- Can be cost-effective if you consider the potential savings it can create by preventing theft/damage
- Immediate response
- Intimidating presence
- When paired with static guards, can provide outstanding security provision
Dog Handler Considerations
- Can cost more per hour than static guards
Analytic CCTV Advantages
- Excellent communication with the central monitoring station
- Large HD storage
- Infra-red vision and 80-metre detection range
- Video analytic detection
- Human and animal differentiation
- Full remote monitoring
- Live warnings (audio challenge)
- Remote viewing on a smartphone
- Maintenance included
Analytic CCTV Considerations
- More expensive (than more basic CCTV options)
- Response not as quick as dog handlers
Conclusion
The real debate isn’t necessarily ‘man vs machine’ or ‘guard vs CCTV’ as it’s clear that both options offer numerous benefits to your construction site’s security. The key consideration is the level of security you require.
For example, if you compared a budget CCTV system with a static guard, a static guard would win hands down. Similarly, if you compared infrared CCTV with mobile patrols, the former will offer a greater deal of protection.
And since there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution, a tailor-made security provision to fit your individual site requirement and budget is what we at Secure Site UK pride ourselves on. So, get in touch with an expert today to discuss your next project further.
