7 Former Career-Types That Can Help Deter Theft in Construction Sites

Theft has been a problem in construction for the industry’s entire existence. With so many valuable tools, equipment and materials lying around, thieves naturally gravitate toward construction sites like moths to bright lights.

A reliable security system certainly helps, but the employees must also practice due diligence to keep thieves away. These seven former career types can seamlessly transition into the construction industry and play key roles in preventing theft at their new jobs.

1. Police Officers

Former police officers can make the greatest impact in theft prevention on construction sites. After all, their former jobs revolved entirely around thwarting crime. They would make an immediate impact by advising co-workers about securing their equipment and identifying potential thieves among their ranks.

Although non-employees are the most common culprits in construction theft, tools and smaller building supplies are most likely to be stolen by employees because they have unrestricted access to the site. Police officers can use their law enforcement experience to keep their co-workers out of trouble and stop would-be thieves in their tracks.

For example, cops are trained to keep a close eye on individuals who are wearing baggy clothes or exhibiting strange behaviors. If they’re lurking around a particular area for a long time or seem nervous during conversations, they might be planning to steal. A former police officer can spot these strange behaviors from a mile away.

2. Security Guards

Former security guards would also make valuable contributions to construction theft prevention. They know what features and behaviors to look for in potential thieves, and have experience supervising a large area — often by themselves. They’re always on high alert and won’t hesitate to address a risk or vulnerability.

Security guards can also identify which parts of the worksite are most susceptible to break-ins based on various factors, such as the locations of CCTV cameras, overhead lights, power sources and fences. Construction managers need to secure the perimeter of their sites and address other weak spots, and security guards can play huge roles in those improvements.

3. Military Veterans

Veterans make up about 6.5% of the construction workforce as of 2022 and it’s easy to see why. Their courageous and selfless service to the country makes them attractive job candidates. Construction companies know they’re getting a loyal, trustworthy and hardworking employee when they hire a veteran.

Regarding theft prevention, the most important quality veterans bring to the table is their dedication to accomplishing the mission at any cost. They’re willing to put themselves in danger to stop thievery and keep their co-workers safe. Moreover, if they ever encounter an altercation with a thief, they have the combat skills and experience to take them down.

4. Retired Athletes

Another interesting former career that could address the theft problem is retired athletes. Any spry individual is a welcome addition to a construction crew, especially now that many older workers are retiring and leaving a significant gap in skilled labor. Thieves are less likely to steal from a site with a bunch of athletic employees walking around.

Former athletes also have many intangibles that can help with theft prevention, including respect for authority figures and a goal-oriented mindset. If a construction manager asks them to assist with site security, they’ll start working on the task with focus and determination. Whether they played in high school, college or professionally, they can immediately make a positive impact.

5. Security Technicians

Security technicians can play a straightforward role in deterring theft on construction sites. Their main job responsibilities are to inspect, maintain and repair security systems in commercial and residential buildings. They can bring this in-depth knowledge to a construction company and immediately improve the site’s security equipment.

Technical knowledge has become more important with the evolution of security technology. CCTV cameras and alarm systems are now the bare minimum. A security technician can help construction businesses install new devices like motion detectors and cyber protection tools to prevent online theft.

6. Building Inspectors

Former building inspectors can also provide some amazing insights about a construction site’s vulnerabilities. A city or municipality employs building inspectors to enforce safety standards for construction projects, so they’re already familiar with the day-to-day operations of the average worksite.

Plus, a building inspector’s former status as a government employee means they’re well-versed in the law. They can give helpful advice and assist the construction manager in navigating the legal side of things if an employee tries to steal.

7. Drone Programmers

The last career type that can help deter theft prevention is fairly new compared to the other positions. Drone technology has recently infiltrated the construction industry and has already greatly impacted worksite security. Autonomous drones monitor the site from the skies, allowing managers to keep tabs on everything.

Adding a drone programmer to the team would allow construction companies to take full advantage of this new technology. The programmer can help the manager choose the best devices and artificial intelligence software, along with making periodic updates as the drones continue to get more advanced.

Stopping Construction Theft One Worker at a Time

Construction businesses can invest in all the security technology they can afford, but the most valuable resource for theft prevention will always be a trustworthy and attentive workforce. These seven former career types can play unique roles in stopping construction theft, one worker at a time.