By David Mossman

Site security is vital for protecting not only equipment but also other valuable assets–even intellectual property. Some physical site-security measures are difficult to implement on mobile work sites (road construction) or large premises (farms). Advice is given elsewhere for measures that can be implemented in these cases.

Warning Signs

Post "Warning: No Trespassing" signs around the perimeter of your work site. Consider warning signs that indicate what laws will be broken and the penalty imposed if disregarded. Post warning signs indicating that equipment on your site all have their product identification numbers recorded in a central location within your company and possibly on a national database such as The National Equipment Register.

Fencing

Fencing is your first, and in many ways best, line of protection. Its effectiveness depends on the design and quality of the installation, but other factors should be considered when installing, replacing, or repairing perimeter fencing.

Use see-through material such as chainlink. This allows thieves to be visible from the outside in the event they get past the fence, increasing the chances of unusual activity being noticed, and therefore deters thieves.

Keep fenced areas free of debris that might blow to, and get stuck in, the fence and inhibit visibility. Keep bushes and weeds trimmed back from the fence to aid visibility.

If possible, fences should be at least 8 ft. in height (if codes allow), with posts spaced at a distance no greater than the width of the narrowest unit in the fleet, and set in concrete. Consider using barbed wire or razor wire at the top of fences for added security.

Conduct routine fence inspections and promptly repair any openings. Do not allow random items to be piled up on either side of a fence, as it might create a climbable condition and compromise security.

Other Work-Site Barriers

Barriers should be used when fences are not feasible or in addition to fencing to enhance security. Barriers can include low walls, posts, dirt berms, or ditches that prevent a unit from being driven or towed off the work site.

Walls and berms should be no higher than 3 ft., as that is the maximum height a police officer can see over when seated in a patrol car. If possible, posts should protrude 2-4 ft. from the ground, be no more than 2 ft. apart, and be sunk 4-6 ft. underground in concrete.

Trenches or ditches should be 3-4 ft. deep and sloped so that most vehicles cannot be driven across. Consider a low fence of heavy steel pipe, 2-3 ft. high, anchored by posts on 8-ft. centers.

Gates

Regardless of which barrier method is chosen, all work-site entrances should have a well-secured gate. Gates should be of heavy construction, with hinge pins spot-welded to prevent easy removal.

Construct gates so that the longest vehicle you use can be safely pulled onto the site without extending out onto a road or highway. Locking hardware should consist of a casehardened chain and a high-security padlock permanently attached to the fence, or shielded or "blind" locking devices should be used.

If possible, have only one entrance/exit at the site. Limit access to keys for all fenced areas.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most valuable deterrents, as most thefts occur at night. To avoid a distracting glare for patrolling officers or casual observers, lights should be placed near the perimeter of the property (but far enough from the perimeter to prevent a thief from disabling the lighting) and directed toward the work site.

Lights should be well maintained, with the changing of bulbs as needed a priority. In small compounds, low-cost motion sensors can be linked to lighting but should cover the entire compound and all approaches. This might also be valuable in specific areas of a larger work site.

Trailer/Office

Keep a master record of the serial numbers on all tools, equipment, computers, fax machines, desk and cell phones, and two-way radios.

Computers should be secured to the side of a desk or the floor using strips of metal, bolts or screws, or newer locking devices created just for this purpose. Contractors should back up their computer data weekly; any backup disks should be stored off-site in a secure location.

Use point-of-entry or motion-sensor alarms to provide added security for your trailer. As a deterrent, post a notice on the door or outside wall to alert thieves that some or all of the above measures have been implemented.

Keys

With keys often left in vehicles, access to keys often unregulated, and manufacturers' keys sometimes operable on more than one unit, thieves often are able to simply drive equipment off a work site. Make it a written company policy that all keys be removed from equipment when not in use or in storage.

Make a note of who has access to, or is assigned, keys to equipment or the locks at your work site. Consider a key sign-out log to record the whereabouts and possession of all keys. Keep all keys secured in a safe or lockable area after-hours or when not being used.

Locks

Perimeter fencing and other security devices will only be as good as the "weakest link"–often the lock itself.

If padlocks are used, they should be high-security (i.e., casehardened or laminated steel), preferably with tamper-proof guards.

Combination locks are a poor idea due to the potential of the combinations being shared with outsiders.

When possible, ensure that key-in cylinder locks are protected by a guard to prevent removal. Casehardened chains used with padlocks should be thick enough to resist torching, saws, or bolt cutters. Consider cable or wire rope instead of chain, as it is harder to cut and requires special tools.

Consider blind or enclosed locking devices on equipment doors and perimeter gates, and consider using gauge protectors and panel locks on your equipment.

David Mossman is a law enforcement specialist with National Equipment Register.