Theft from building sites has long been a concern and costs the construction industry up to £1 billion per year. Recently we’ve been hearing from our customers that scaffold tubes and boards are also becoming a target for thieves. Of course, with metal prices soaring and on-going supply issues as a result of Covid-19, this is a worrying trend for scaffolders. When you take into account the inconvenience and disruption to you and your clients it makes sense to take steps to protect your assets.
Just one recent example of a scaffolding is a large mansion in Caernarfon in Wales which was undergoing renovation. Not only was a substantial amount of scaffolding stolen, but also lead from the roof. The theft wasn’t noticed for months – due to a legal hitch with the property, which has now been placed into administration. No doubt, the scaffolding supplier has not only lost his property but is out of pocket for both the hire and the loss of significant assets. *
In Scotland scaffolding was stolen in plain sight during the working day from a housing development, whilst in Sunderland thieves have even stolen scaffolding from the Sunderland base of the Salvation Army.**
These are just the tip of the iceberg. A simple internet search uncovers many more incidences.
Mitigating your risk
Of course, there are ways to minimise the risk of theft and the installation of a scaffold alarm is probably one of the most simple and cost-effective ways to do so. Panthera Group’s security division is the UK’s largest scaffold alarm supplier and the first NACOSS Gold accredited installer. From budget to premier solutions each insurance compliant alarm package supplied and fitted by our team is customised to provide the right level of monitoring for each client’s requirement.
ScaffCam™ is an entry level video-verified scaffold alarm unit. Perfect for small areas on site, it is housed in a rugged casing for tamper free operation and can be connected to additional devices and peripherals. Its integral PIR securing camera captures 10 second, full colour clips when triggered which are transferred to a 24-hour monitoring centre where an appropriate response is determined. The unit operates on lithium batteries with a 2-year life expectancy and the fixed camera position prevents blind spotting caused by accidental or deliberate movement of cameras. This trademarked unit can be fixed to scaffolding, hoarding panels and buildings.
Customised alarm solutions for bigger and more complex projects throughout the whole of the UK can be bespoke designed by Panthera Security Division and these can be mains powered or mains free. Whatever the project, Panthera will deliver and install a bespoke, networked solution to cover every corner of scaffold for full site protection.
Our Security Systems – All our systems are UKAS 9001 compliant and certified in accordance with NCP115. Insurance company approved and supported 24/7, 365 days a year Panthera Security is committed to providing the most cost-effective solutions available. So for full protection all day every on your site please contact us for a no-obligation chat and quote:
Call Mark McGoldrick on 0208 545 8576 or email m.mcgoldrick@pantheragroup.com
* https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mystery-missing-mansion-scaffolding-north-17919092
** https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18591772.police-appeal-scaffolding-theft-horntye-road-st-leonards/ and https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/crime/scaffolding-stolen-sunderland-salvation-army-base-2866422
