According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) the number of metal thefts has declined to 27,512 offences recorded in 2014/15, representing a decrease of 35% compared with 2013/14[1]. However, metal theft still costs the UK hundreds of millions of pounds every year and should therefore be considered in the design of new buildings. James Kelly, Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association – the trade body representing the UK’s private security industry – looks at how construction sites can be protected against metal theft.
The potential targets of metal theft are endless, ranging from railway infrastructure, plaques on graves or memorials to lead piping or roof tiles on houses, criminals will target valuable materials such as lead or copper for their extrinsic value. Metal theft is an attractive proposition for criminals due to the relative ease of passing them on and making a quick profit. Such materials are considered to be easily recyclable lucrative commodities and the culprits often utilise these raw materials in order to generate new products.
Whilst there has been a decline in the number of metal thefts in recent years, partly due to the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act in October 2013 – which requires dealers to hold a licence to trade scrap metal – the ability for raw materials to be recycled, means that it is still not impossible for stolen materials to be sold on.
New buildings tend to utilise an array of different raw materials throughout the construction process. Therefore, designing a building with the risk of metal theft in mind can be extremely beneficial, potentially preventing the loss of valuable materials once the building is complete.
Security measures on construction sites should be implemented from the start of any construction process, being considered in the design stage, right through to the final phases of construction. Metals are perhaps most vulnerable during the construction process when materials can be left unattended for longer periods of times.
Covert Security
Many may have the impression that security measures consist of robust obstructions that are likely to compromise the aesthetics of a building; however, this is simply not the case. There are many covert solutions which can help protect the materials of a building, without affecting the building’s design. Many BSIA members have had direct experience of this sort of specification and have shown that effective security measures do not always need to be visible.
One BSIA member, Optex Europe, provided a solution to a rural church in Essex, in the form of wireless virtual perimeters. A series of detectors were installed along the roof, creating a perimeter without the need for obtrusive wires. If an intruder happens to cross over this perimeter, key holders are alerted and can respond accordingly.
Another BSIA member, GJD Manufacturing Limited, partnered with E-bound to develop an electronic wireless roof system comprised of passive infrared motion detectors in order to detect intruders. Over 350 of these systems have been installed on various churches and heritage sites across the UK.
In both of these examples, there has been a requirement for security which doesn’t affect the overall appearance of the building. But it isn’t just heritage sites that require these sorts of systems; many new constructions also require solutions that maintain a ‘clean’ look to the building. Covert perimeter security can be installed to fit all kinds of structures.
Marking materials
Another key method of protecting metals from theft is by having materials asset and property marked. By marking materials with a forensically coded solution, if stolen, the goods are rendered worthless by either their covert or overt markings. Security marking gives police the opportunity to catch and convict criminals, and consequently, return the stolen goods to their rightful owners. The process of property marking involves uniquely marking items using a permanent marking product, and subsequently registering that item to a secure national database. Police can then check this database to see if items that come into their possession have been registered stolen. Security marking can also act as a successful deterrent to thieves by placing signs around a building site clearly stating that property has been marked.
There are a wide range of marking solutions available, and BSIA members distribute a large proportion of the products in the UK that use forensic codes. In the interests of building aesthetics, there are a number of solutions that can be used which are invisible to the naked eye.
Whenever it comes to procuring any security product or service, the most important thing to consider is quality. Choosing a reputable security supplier is essential and will not only ensure that your site receives the best protection, but it can also prove more cost-effective in the long run.
BSIA members are subject to rigorous quality checks that ensure that they are operating at the very highest level, to find a reputable supplier for any security product or service, visit: www.bsia.co.uk
The BSIA’s website also hosts a variety of industry guidance publications, including guides on construction security and metal theft which are available to download free of charge.
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